462.11 T 41/8
The Counselor for the Department of State (Lansing) to President Wilson
Dear Mr. President: I enclose the telegrams received from Consul General Skinner regarding the sinking of the Falaba.23
The significant fact to my mind is that the submarine’s commander allowed ten minutes for the crew and passengers to leave the vessel, showing that he did not act on the suspicion that the vessel was armed and might attack him. If he had allowed no time for escape, he might enter that plea, but, since he gave some time, he should have given sufficient.
It seems to me that the question of arming British vessels, or Germany’s belief that it is being done, disappears from the Falaba case.
Very sincerely yours,