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Show FORMAL NOTICE OF ARMING OF AMERICAN SHIPS SENT . ALL FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS i German Determination to Sink All Vessels, Neu-i Neu-i trals Included, Without Regard to Human Life, or Exercise of Visit and Search Brings Defense Act of U. S. WASHINGTON, March 12 Formal notice that American ships traversing the German submarine zone are to carry ' armed guards for the protection protec-tion of the vessel and the lhcs of the persons on board" was 6ent by the state department today to embassies and legations ot all foreign governments govern-ments in Washington. Following is the text of the communication commu-nication as made public by the state department . "In view of the announcement of the imperial German 501 eminent on January 31. 1917. that all ships, those of neutrals included, met within certain cer-tain zones of the high seas, would be sunk without any precaution being taken for the safety of the persons on board and without, the exercise of visit and search, the government of the United States has determined to place upon all American merchant vessels sailing through the barred areas an armed guard for the protection of the vessels and the lives of the persons on board." |