File No. 300.115P44/8

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Austria-Hungary ( Penfield )

[Telegram]

1116. Captain, steamer Petrolite, owned by Standard Oil Company of New Jersey, states that on December 5, 1915, in longitude [Page 161] 26° 8’ east, latitude 32° 23’ north, 6.30 a. m. during fair weather, ship was fired on by submarine coming up from stern. Headway of ship stopped immediately after second shot was fired 6.32 a. m., and ship was swung broadside to submarine until stopped. After ship was so placed, number of shots were fired; one went through ship, burst, and wounded a seaman in the leg. Shell did considerable damage to boiler and steam pipes. Captain of Petrolite went on board the submarine with ship’s papers. Submarine flying Austrian flag on conning tower. Commander of submarine did not give his name or number of boat. Commander of submarine asked captain of Petrolite to sell him food. Captain refused to sell. Submarine commander demanded 50 or 60 pounds fresh beef, 50 or 60 eggs, and a ham. Told captain of Petrolite to return to ship and send over provisions, and that one of his men would be kept until provisions were delivered. Provisions delivered; no payment accepted. Submarine submerged and Petrolite proceeded on voyage. At the time Petrolite was fired on, she was flying American flag 6 feet by 10 from the signal-halyards about 30 feet above bridge, and smaller size American flag from flagstaff at stern about 12 feet above deck. Petrolite has a free board of about 26 feet.

Present the above statements to the Foreign Office and ask for an immediate explanation. If the facts are as reported, you may state that the conduct of the commander of the submarine is regarded by the Government of the United States as an insult to the United States flag and an invasion of the rights of American citizens for which the Government may properly expect an immediate apology from the Imperial and Royal Government, the prompt punishment of the commander of the submarine, and an assurance that compensation will be made for the damages to the ship and the injuries to members of the crew.

Lansing