File No. 17172/8.
Ambassador Griscom to the Secretary of State.
Rome, December 30, 1908.
Having received no word from consul at Messina and Palermo, have asked the foreign office to furnish me information. They have promised to use every effort through their army and navy officers [Page 500] to obtain immediate news. British consul at Messina is reported injured and his wife and child dead. It is reported that ninety Americans were in the Hotel Trinacria at Messina, which is reported totally destroyed. It is known that some of the guests escaped.
The foreign office informs me that several foreign nations are hurrying warships to the scene to offer assistance. I think it would be highly appreciated if we sent one or two warships at earliest possible moment. Much assistance might be rendered American citizens. Will you authorize sending Naples vice consul to Messina immediately?