File No. 763.72111E1 1/29
The Ambassador in Austria-Hungary (Penfield) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 16, 6.50 p. m.]
942. Newspapers publish alleged quotation from New York papers that a number of submarines constructed by Bethlehem Steel Company and Electric Boat Company and delivered to Vickers-Maxim, Montreal, have recently made the voyage to Great Britain. Since statement is certain to cause acrimonious discussion, in view of President’s proclamation neutrality forbidding construction or equipment vessels of war for belligerents, I should much appreciate statement as to authenticity of report and if correct, the line the Department desires me to take in meeting the criticisms of the Austro-Hungarian Government and public.