File No. 841.857Ar1/97

The German Ambassador (Bernstorff) to the Secretary of State

[Translation]
A6385]

Mr. Secretary of State: I have the honor to submit herewith the affidavits of the American citizens James J. Curran, Charles D. Hightower, Bud Amerson Palen, Edward Clark, R. H. Cosby, J. M. Garret and Laramore Holland from which it appears that an English [Page 576] warship used the American flag in attacking a German submarine. I would further call to your excellency’s attention the way and manner in which unarmed German sailors, struggling with death in the waves, were cruelly murdered by the British seamen. I further enclose affidavits of Bud Amersen Palen and Edward Clark which throw a peculiar light on the manner of English recruiting.1

Accept [etc.]

J. Bernstorff
  1. Enclosures not printed.