File No. 812.48/3206
The Secretary of War to the Secretary of State
Washington, June 21, 1916.
My dear Mr. Secretary: I beg leave to advise you, with reference to a recent request of your Department that steps have been taken to place the transport Sumner, now at Newport News, Virginia, in commission at once for the return of refugees from Vera Cruz and Tampico, Mexico.
The crew and supplies will be placed aboard, and the ship made fully ready for sea at the earliest practicable date.
The Surgeon General has been notified to provide the necessary medical equipment and personnel and the Chief Signal Officer to arrange for radio operators, [etc.]
Very sincerely yours,