File No. 763.72111/4508
The Governor of the Hawaiian Islands ( Pinkham) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 12, 1917, 8.15 a.m.]
United States military guard placed on board eight German merchant ships, Pommern, Holsatia, Setos, Staatssekretar, Kraetke, Loongmoon, Gouverneur Jaeschke, Prinz Waldemar, and Hermes February 4 at request collector customs to prevent possible sinking or destruction of vessels or damage to wharves or shipping in harbor. Crews were interned February 4. Four o’clock afternoon February 8, Commander, Hawaiian Department informed President, Board Health ships Pommern and Holsatia insanitary, menacing public [Page 559] health. Under Chapter 66, Revised Laws Hawaii, 1915, amended by Act 96, Session Laws, 1915, board ordered Hackfeld Company, agents of owners, to clean ships within 24 hours. Hackfeld replied, crews interned and vessels in charge representatives United States, therefore out of their control. Hackfeld failing to comply, Board Health cleaned vessels. Vessels still under guard by military as per collector’s request. Board officials remained only sufficient time to clean vessels.