File No. 300.115L98/10
The Ambassador in Italy (Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12 p.m.]
848. Affidavit of McDonough, captain of schooner Lyman M. Law, states submarine flew flag until American flag hoisted, when flag was hauled down, but distance was too great to distinguish nationality. Nothing was done to insure safety of crew, but sea; and weather were moderate. Distance from land about 25 miles. Captain using schooner’s motor boat, towing other boat, approached land, then coasted along to Cagliari arriving morning of second day, after 25 hours in boats. Above facts confirmed by affidavits entire crew, two English, others American. Officer answering question of captain stated submarine Austrian. Captain believes submarine was German from conversation with officers and crew and their general appearance. Captain states was given permission to proceed by lieutenant who boarded schooner, but later received orders from captain to take to boats as schooner would be sunk because carrying contraband. Cargo consisted only shooks but schooner had stores for her own use for several months. Captain believes submarine’s need for the stores caused sinking schooner.