15 JANUARY 1916, Page 3

The German Embassy in Washington has announced that the German

Government are ready to satisfy the United States in the Lusitania ' dispute. The German Government are pre- pared to admit that the sinking of the vessel was an illegal act, although there were "extenuating circumstances." This state- ment, which may be intended to serve some special purpose. though we have no doubt that it would be convenient to Germany not to have a rupture with the United States, has not yet been confirmed by the United States Government. It is also reported that the German Government will issue instructions to their submarine commanders in the Mediterranean not to sink any merchantmen without giving warning and without providing for the safety of the crew or passengers.