File No. 763.72111/4970
The Secretary of State to the Swedish Minister ( Ekengren )
Memorandum
The Secretary of State presents his compliments to the Minister of Sweden, representing Austro-Hungarian interests in the United States, and has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the copy of the petition2 received by the Minister from a committee composed [Page 246] of the officers and crews of the Austrian steamers Martha Washington, Dora, Ida , and Himalaia, in which they pray for liberty and reimbursement for certain property losses alleged to have been caused in connection with their arrest and detention at Ellis Island. In handing the petition to the Department the Minister inquired as to the intentions of this Government regarding these persons.1
The Secretary of State has been pleased to communicate to the Secretary of Labor, whose Department has charge of the matter in question, the substance of the petition referred to and has suggested to him that in view of the feeling of friendship at present existing between the United States and Austria-Hungary, notwithstanding the severance of diplomatic relations, as little inconvenience as possible should be occasioned to the officers and crews of the vessels named above, in order that this friendly feeling may be maintained.
- Not printed.↩
- These officers and crewmen were detained in accordance with instructions given in the following telegram from the Department of Labor to immigration officers Apr. 8, 1917, 11 p.m.: “Lay all plans to take charge of and detain in immigration station or best and safest available quarters every officer and crewman of Austrian vessels your port or district, but take no actual step until receipt of telegram reading ‘Proceed’ United States marshals and customs officers will cooperate. Extreme caution necessary to perfect plans so that action can occur instantly upon receiving further orders and to prevent destruction property or loss life.” On Apr. 9, 1917, at 1 p.m. the follow-up message, “Proceed instantly,” was sent. (File No. 763.72115/3860.)↩