File No. 763.72/3046
The German Ambassador (Bernstorff) to the Secretary of State
Mr. Secretary of State: According to a telegraphic communication from my Government there were recently found on a French merchant steamer the following instructions to be observed when falling in with a submarine which cast special light on the attack made in the Channel on one of our submarines by the French merchant S. S. Mississippi on November 8 last.
General Instructions for Captains of Merchant Vessels for Their Protection from Submarines
Part III
During the voyage. 28 B. How to maneuver in case of attack. As soon as a submarine is perceived running on the surface, present the stern to it, putting on full speed and, if there is any sea, try to steer a course such that, in order to approach, the submarine will be compelled to take a head sea, which will reduce its speed and partially paralyze its gunfire.
Open fire as soon as the submarine is well within range. If the submarine is gaining in the chase, do not hesitate to go about and make for it before it is too near. If a submarine is perceived submerged not far away, put on full speed and present the bow or stern according to whether it is sighted less or more than six points off the bow; if the bow is presented, try to ram it. If the submerged submarine is seen far enough away, maneuver as in the case of a submarine on the surface.
These instructions, taken together with Lord Crewe’s speech in the English Parliament on the 16th of last month in which he said, “The German submarine is to be considered as an enemy which it is permissible and proper to destroy if you could at sight,” afford conclusive evidence that the armed merchant ships of Germany’s enemies carry their armament for purposes of attack.
Accept [etc.]