File No. 841.857/21
The Consul at Cork (Frost) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7.45 p. m.]
Allan Liner Hesperian torpedoed German submarine 70 miles southwest Fastnet 8.30 last night. Only one or two Americans on board, none lost. Total loss of life about eight. Has not sunk. Admiralty boats landed passengers and troops 8.30 to-day. Have returned to bring Hesperian in here. Due about nine to-morrow morning. No Hesperian officers here. Until she comes in Admiralty [Page 534] not willing to state no warning but believe none, as also passengers and assistant purser. There were about forty-five Canadian troops unorganized, mainly invalided, also one four point seven gun, mounted and visible on stern. Hesperian bound Montreal. Will telegraph again when officers arrive. Copy of this has been sent to Ambassador.