File No. 851.857/55
The Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7.45 p.m.]
5732. Consul, Southampton, is forwarding to Department affidavit of four seamen, George Goldrainer, Fred O’Neill, Clarence Barrett, [Page 142] Edward Staples, claiming American citizenship, members crew French sailing ship Bayonne, from New York, December 28, for England, cargo wheat. Submarine signaled ship stop February 17, 4.30 afternoon, 25 miles off starting point; crew took to boats, weather calm, foggy. Submarine of German nationality took provisions from ship and blew her up. Germans provisioned ship’s boats, lights of five steamers visible, crew reached land in 17 hours. Bayonne did not attempt escape or resist.