File No. 862.85/124
The Minister in Cuba ( Gonzales) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8.55 p.m.]
By presidential decree signed to-day the four German steamships Bavaria, Olivant, Adelheid, and Constantia seized as prizes of war, and to prevent their destruction in Cuban waters by their crews, were transferred to the United States to be utilized in bringing to a prompt and successful end the war against the Imperial Government of Germany. I will to-morrow morning take charge of these vessels for the United States Shipping Board and will have them guarded. The Constantia is in Cienfuegos, the others here. Smallest German vessel the Kydonia is held by the Government of Cuba as a transport for the army supplies. No charge made by the Cuban [Page 319] Government for these ships; they are simply turned over to the United States.