File No. 857.857/100
The Vice Consul at Rotterdam ( Krogh) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12.30 a.m.]
Norwegian freight-steamship Davanger of Bergen, Norway, owned by H. Westfal Larsen, en route from New York to Rotterdam with cargo barley, having one American aboard, namely, Robert LeRoy Bragg of Angels Camp, Calif, (second steward, bearer Department passport No. 38,310, issued November 1, 1916), reported stopped by gunfire. Torpedoed, sunk by German submarine afternoon March 14 in North Sea about 30 miles from North Hinder Lightship. All officers, crew including Bragg, after spending 17 hours in lifeboats were saved. Am mailing Bragg’s affidavit. Am I instructed endeavor obtain affidavits or copies thereof in case vessels are of foreign nationality and all lives aboard are saved?