File No. 763.72/9128
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Chile ( DeBillier)
Your March 10, 2 p.m. Department informed that Seeadler, formerly American ship Pass of Balmaha, was captured by German submarine and condemned by German prize court on ground of invalidity of transfer from British to American registry after beginning [of] war; that it was transformed into auxiliary cruiser with improved type Diesel engine capable of 16 knots and with armament including two 105-centimeter guns; that it left Cuxhaven, December 21, 1916, in charge of German naval officers, Count von Luckner and Lieutenants Kling and Priess; that it sank nineteen vessels; that it was wrecked on Mopeha Island, Society Group, where French schooner Lutèce was captured, armed and remaining German crew sailed on her.
[Page 1790]Communicate foregoing informally Foreign Office, observing that it would seem officers and crew should be interned by Chilean Government.
Department presumes these men landed at Easter Island from captured French vessel Lutèce. Ascertain and report by telegraph if such is the case.