Washington, Feb. 18.
The German Ambassador, Count Bernstorff, has presented a formal Note, which states that Germany is ready to consider the abandonment of the proposed attacks on British merchantmen if Great Britain will allow the passage of foodstuffs for civilians.
Count Bernstorff's Note says that Germany's proclamation of a war zone is in retaliation for, what she terms, British violation of international law in attempting to starve the non-combatant population of Germany. He says that the German Government is informed that British merchantmen have been armed and ordered to sail in groups with a view to trying to sink Ger. man submarines. There is no question of searching such merchantmen, which are men-of-war.
The Note urges neutral ships to go round Scotland outside the war zone. It is announced that Germany intends to sow mines in the waters round the British Isles and concludes by pointing out that this is not a reply to the recent Amer-can Note, which reply will shortly be transmitted.
It is rumoured in Berlin that Count Bernstorff has been recalled.
It is not known whether his recall temporary or whether he is in disgrace.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.