File No. 841.857/334
The Consul at Cork (Frost) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 13, 1.25 a.m.]
British tanker Saxonian left Newport News, January 25 for Queenstown, crew 38, three Americans, no gun, no wireless. Shelled 5.15 p.m., February 7, 280 miles southwest Fastnet. No attempt escape. When 32 shells failed, submarine torpedoed Saxonian about [Page 130] 6 p.m., sinking her. Then approached crew in two open boats and asked vessel’s nationality, no offer assistance. Weather: heavy swells, fresh southeast wind, darkness. One boat picked up after 68 hours, other also, time unknown. When other boat’s crew lands to-morrow morning can say if any Americans lost. One saved in crew already landed. This telegram sent Ambassador, Consul General.