File No. 300.115110/3
The Consul at Southampton ( Swalm) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 23, 1917, 11 a.m.]
Captain and crew of American submarined ship Illinois landed here from Guernsey this morning. They number 34, Americans 16. Vessel bound London, Port Arthur, Tex., in ballast. Submarine sighted 20 miles north of Alderney, March 18, 8 forenoon. Was shelled without warning, German submarine. Weather fair, no vessels in sight, no measures taken for safety of crew and towing refused. Shelling continued until crew was in their own boats. Did not try to escape or resist. One man slightly wounded. Ship finally sunk by bombs placed in and outside. Crew six hours in boats. Last 10 miles towed Alderney motor boat. Crew sent London immediately.