~ The German note read as follows:
. "Neutral merchant ships have re-
peatedly attempted "in the waters
around  France  and  England to I
evade the exercise of the right of |
German naval forces, granted by.1
international law, of stoppage and |
search.  Besides, they have repeat-t
edly aroused suspicion of attack or
unneutral acts, by Improper be-
havior.
"The government of the Reich
therefore begs to call the attention
of American merchant vessels
traveling Into the waters mentioned
to the fact that. In their own Inter-
est, and in order to prevent confu-
sion with naval or auxiliary ships
of the enemy, especially at night,
they should avoid any suspicious
behavior, particularly change of
course and use of the radio appara-
tus upon sighting German naval
forces, zig-zagging, screening lights,
falling to obey a demand to stop,
and the acceptance of convoy by
! naval forces of the powers at war
jwith Germany/y