tion from neutral nations in case of foreign attack. This right,
which it claims for itself, it cannot deny to others."

The German and Austrian authorities were fully aware that their
arguments had no basis in international law or practice. Indeed, their
notes were probably designed to influence public opinion and help the
German propagandists in this country who were making a desperate effort
to get Congress to place an embargo on the export of munitions. Having
failed in this attempt, an extensive conspiracy was formed to break up
the trade in munitions by a resort to criminal methods. Numerous
explosions occurred in munition plants destroying many lives and
millions of dollars' worth of property, and bombs were placed in a
number of ships engaged in carrying supplies to the Allies. The
Austrian ambassador and the German military and naval attaches at
Washington were involved in these activities and their recall was
promptly demanded by Secretary Lansing.

The violations of international law by Germany were so flagrant, her
methods of waging war so barbarous, the activities of her diplomats so
devoid of honor, and her solemn pledges were so ruthlessly broken that
the technical discussion of the rules of maritime law was completely
overshadowed by the higher moral issues involved in the contest. All
further efforts to maintain neutrality finally became intolerable even
to President Wilson, who had exercised patience until patience ceased
to be a virtue. Having failed in his efforts to persuade Congress to
authorize the arming of merchantmen, the President finally concluded,
in view of Germany's threat to treat armed guards as pirates, that
armed neutrality was impracticable. He accepted the only alternative
and on April 2, 1917, went before Congress to ask for a formal
declaration of war against Germany.

Had Germany observed the rules of international law, the United States
would probably have remained neutral notwithstanding the imminent
danger of the overthrow of France and the possible invasion of England.
The upsetting of the European balance would eventually have led to a
conflict between Germany and the United States. The violation of
American rights forced us to go to war, but having once entered the
war, we fought not merely for the vindication of American rights, but
for the establishment of human freedom and the recognition of human
rights throughout the world. In his war address President Wilso