File No. 763.72111/4777

The Secretary of State to the Swiss Minister ( Ritter )

No. 403

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your two notes of February 21 and 24, 1917,1 in regard to the alleged seizure of German merchant ships at Colon, Honolulu, and Manila, and to looting said to have taken place during the occupation of the vessels by the American authorities.

Concerning the alleged seizure of German merchant ships, it may be pointed out that the measures taken by the authorities of this Government in placing guards on the vessels and detaining their crews were only for the preservation of American life and property, or in order to prevent possible obstruction of navigation. This action was taken in accordance with the laws of the United States, and never has there been on the part of this Government a seizure of German vessels in the sense of a transfer of ownership.

I beg to advise you further that this Government has requested an investigation for the purpose of ascertaining the present status of the vessels. It now appears (1) that the guards placed on board the vessels at Honolulu have been removed; (2) that the crews of the vessels at Colon who objected to detention have been released and that two of the men who took advantage of this privilege subsequently returned voluntarily to the detention quarters. Also, in order properly to safeguard the Canal it is considered necessary to retain charge of the vessels under the authority of the Governor. Furthermore, (3) the vessels at Manila, whose machinery, except in one instance, was seriously damaged by their crews and preparations made for their sinking, have been taken in charge by the Governor General of the Philippines in accordance with the law to prevent or suppress lawless violence. I may state, in this connection, that when their crews were removed they were transported to Baguio upon the written request of the then German Consul, where they are not guarded and are apparently well pleased with their condition.

With regard to the looting of the vessels at Honolulu and Manila, I beg to advise you that the matter is being investigated by the [Page 565] Governors of the Hawaiian and Philippine Islands. For your preliminary information, however, a telegram dated February 25 from the Governor of the Philippine Islands is quoted below:

Referring to telegram from General Hunter Liggett to the Adjutant General of the Army, dated February 23, 1917, several complaints were received from captains of the German vessels after removal of crews regarding loss of personal articles, principally jewelry and liquors. All complaints are being carefully investigated and complainants advised that articles will be restored if recovered and suitable recompense will be made for articles found to have been lost if any government agents or guards responsible.

Upon receipt of further reports, I shall be pleased to advise you fully.1

Accept [etc.]

Robert Lansing
  1. Note of Feb. 24 not printed.
  2. Reports subsequently received did not bear out the charge that Government guards or agents were responsible for the alleged looting and were not forwarded to the Swiss Legation (File Nos. 763.72111/4644, 4697, 4779, 4808½).