File No. 362.112T41/7
The Consul General at London (Skinner) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5.30 p. m.]
Department’s 8th.1 Number passengers on board Falaba 147, all on board 242 number of passengers rescued 89, all rescued 136. Chief Officer Baxter’s affidavit declares submarine first signaled “stop and abandon ship” but Falaba continued whereupon submarine changed signal to “stop or will fire” whereupon Falaba stopped. Quartermaster Harrison confirms this but interprets first signal as “stop immediately.” Chief Bedroom Steward Ellams swears personally [Page 363] heard megaphone message to Captain now dead giving ten minutes to get to boats. All signals took place before firing torpedo, none after. Chief Officer Baxter swears submarine flew British ensign when sighted but hoisted German flag after overhauling Falaba, and while he was executing Captain’s order to wireless that German submarine was following flying British colors.
- Not printed.↩