File No. 841.857R53
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Germany (Grew)
3530. Telegram dated October 28 from the American Consul at Queenstown states:
Furness freighter Rowanmore, Baltimore for Liverpool, mixed cargo including munitions attacked by German submarine 8.45 a. m., 26th, 140 miles west southeast of Cape Clear. After 50 minutes attempt escape Rowanmore’s steering gear was shot away. Master thereupon stopped and signaled submarine he was abandoning ship. Submarine three-fourths miles distant continued shelling as it came up, originally 3 miles off. Submarine shelled boats after latter were clear. No casualties whatever, but Americans and officers insist submarine was firing to kill until it came close up, when it forewent that. Submarine forcibly took master on board it as prisoner or hostage. Expressed perfunctory regret at situation of crew of 79 men who were in 4 open boats. Weather was dull with heavy swell and light choppy waves, wind moderate to fresh. Submarine shelled Rowanmore and at 11.30 torpedoed her, but vessel did not sink until 2.40 p. m. Rowanmore had wirelessed the Finland 30 miles away, warning her to keep away, also wirelessed other vessels. British Admiralty vessel came to rescue 11.45 a. m. Crew landed Bantry 10 a. m., 27th. Seven Americans, of whom five are Filipinos. Other two are native Americans: George Murphy, 740 Jefferson Avenue, Brooklyn, and Albert Sessler, 42 Sharon Street, Boston. Both rated trimmers. Their affidavit is taken. Took statement first officer Watson, but could not complete it formally, as he had only two hours in Cork. Rowanmore had gross tonnage 6,705.
Please bring foregoing to the attention of German Government and request an investigation and report as soon as possible.