841.857 Athenia/33: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom ( Kennedy ) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 4—2:45 p.m.]
1441. The Admiralty has informed the Embassy regarding the Athenia as follows:
Survivors in one of the rescuing ships state that submarine was clearly seen and have no doubt that ship was torpedoed. From evidence up to date about 1000 have been saved out of a possible 1400, including crew. Every effort is being made to find out if any United States citizens are killed or injured. The Admiralty state that no British mines were laid in the vicinity. Evidence of Chief Officer is that ship was torpedoed without warning. Submarine fired a round at ship on surfacing.