America and China: "You order us to paint convicts' stripes on our ships. We will not. Wear them yourselves."
Sailing of regular American passenger steamers may continue undisturbed after February 1, 1917, if
(A) The port of destination is Falmouth.
(B) Sailing to or coming from that port course is taken via the Scilly Islands and a point fifty degrees north, twenty degrees west.
(C) The steamers are marked in the following way, which must not be allowed to other vessels in American ports: On ship's hull and superstructure three vertical stripes one meter wide, each to be painted alternately white and red. Each mast should show a large flag checkered white and red, and the stern the American national flag. Care should be taken that, during dark, national flag and painted marks are easily recognizable from a distance, and that the boats are well lighted throughout.
German Note Announcing "Unlimited"
Submarine Warfare, January 31, 1917.
"GO ON, WILLIAM! A TRUE HOHENZOLLERN NEVER GETS ENOUGH BLOOD"
Under the convention belligerents have the right to search hospital ships, and the German Government has, therefore, an obvious remedy in case of suspicion—a remedy which they have never utilised.
From the German Government's statement that hospital ships will no longer be tolerated within the limits mentioned, only one conclusion can be drawn, namely, that it is the intention of the German Government to add yet other and more unspeakable crimes against law and humanity to the long list which disgraces their record.
Foreign Office Statement,
February 9, 1917.
Germany: "Till now you have left the fighting to me and kept splendidly neutral—don't part from that splendid attitude!"
We regret the rupture with a nation who, by her history, seemed to be predestined to work together with us, not against us, for common ideals. But since our honest desire for peace has only encountered hostile ridicule on the part of our enemies, there is no more "going back," but only "ahead" possible for us.
German Memorandum,
February 27, 1917.
