U-BOAT PROMISE

Germany’s reply to President Wilson’s last note cannot be expected to give satisfaction in any quarter. It concedes nothing beyond a promise – under certain reservations – not to torpedo passenger ships. Armistice conditions must be based upon “the actual standard of power on both sides in the field.” The patent facts of Germany’s illegal and inhumane acts on land and sea are denied or justified, and it is suggested that neutral commissions should be made the judges. Finally, the reply endeavours to reassert the democratic constitution of the existing Government. The British Foreign Office observes that the German reply being addressed to President Wilson, it is for him, in the first place, to deal with it and to determine whether to communicate it to the associated governments. Until this stage has been reached, it is obviously most undesirable to make any official statement.