On the same day on which this solemn mockery of
international hew was made known through the British Foreign Office a statement was issued from Washington with regard to the negotiations opened by Germany with the United States on the subject of submarine warfare. It appears that a Memorandum was sent through the swiss Minister intimating Germany's readiness to negotiate, for- mally or informally, with the United States, provided that the commercial blockade against England would not be interfered with. To this Mr. Wilson promptly despatched a curt refusal to enter into any discussion with Germany concerning the policy of submarine warfare against neutrals which she is now pursuing, unless and until the German Government renew and act on the assurances of May 4th last, which were suddenly cancelled without any previous intimation on January 31st.
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