File No. 763.72111Od2/8
The Commanding Officer in Porto Rico (Burnham) to the Adjutant General at New York 1
Hamburg-American commercial steamer Odenwald attempted to leave this port about 3 o’clock this afternoon without clearance papers. At request of collector of customs to prevent departure and In compliance with instructions in your telegram March 19, warning shots were fired with machine gun and one shot across her bows with 5-inch rifle from El Morro. Ship then came to anchor under El Morro. None were injured. Ship returned to her anchorage in the harbor. In presence of collector of customs March 19, I personally informed and warned German consul and commander of Odenwald that force would be used if necessary to prevent vessel leaving without clearance.
- Communicated to the Department of State March 22.↩