March 8—Germany includes in the war zone the waters surrounding the Orkney and Shetland Islands, but navigation on both sides of the Faroe Islands is not endangered.
March 9—It is announced at Washington that identical notes of inquiry have been sent to the British and French Governments asking for particulars as to how embargo on shipments to and from Germany is to be enforced.
March 18—Submarine blows up Swedish steamer Hanna, flying her own flag, off east coast of England; six of crew lost.
March 15—Text made public of British Order in Council cutting off trade to and from Germany; British Government, replying to American note, refuses to permit foodstuffs to enter Germany for civilian population as suggested; British Government also replies to American note of inquiry as to particulars of embargo, Sir Edward Grey saying that object of Allies is, "succinctly stated, to establish a blockade to prevent vessels from carrying goods for or coming from Germany."
March 17—Secretary Bryan makes public full text of six recent notes exchanged between the United States and the Allies and Germany regarding the embargo and the war zone; Allies contend German war methods compel the new means of reprisal.
March 18—Denmark, Norway and Sweden make an identical representation to the Allies against the embargo decree on trade to and from Germany.
March 20—Holland protests to Allies against embargo.
March 21—German submarine U-28 seizes Dutch steamers Batavier V. and Zaanstroom and their cargoes.
March 22—Holland asks explanation from Germany of seizure of Batavier V. and Zaanstroom.
March 25—Submarine U-28 sinks Dutch steamer Medea.