862.857 Columbus/8
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Adviser on Political Relations (Dunn)
The German Chargé d’Affaires35 came in this morning to express the appreciation and thanks of the German Government for the prompt rescue by the U.S.S. Tuscaloosa of the officers and crew of the S.S. Columbus, which apparently was scuttled by its own officers at a point approximately midway between Cape Hatteras and Bermuda. Dr. Thomsen said that the rescue work of the U.S.S. Tuscaloosa had been magnificently performed, and had called forth from the German Government the deepest feeling of gratitude and appreciation.
The Chargé d’Affaires then said that as far as the Columbus itself was concerned, he had nothing further to say, as he had not had any official report of the occurrence, but he was under the impression that no belligerent act had been performed in connection with its sinking. He said that he would await the report of the Captain of the ship and any information which might come from the Captain and officers of the U.S.S. Tuscaloosa, if such reports were made available to him.
Dr. Thomsen further stated that he thought it was an excellent idea to take the officers and crew of the Columbus to Ellis Island, as the immigration authorities there would be organized to take care of such a large number of men. He said that with respect to the disposition of these men, he would await reports from the German Consul General in New York after he had communicated with the immigration authorities at Ellis Island. He said that one thought which had occurred to him was the advisability of sending these men back to Germany by way of the Pacific, as there were no German ships in New York, or, in fact, in any American port which would be capable of maintaining these men. He said, however, any arrangements of that kind would have to await discussions with the American immigration authorities.
Dr. Thomsen asked that an expression of the appreciation of the German Government for the rescue of the officers and crew of the Tuscaloosa be conveyed to the Secretary of the Navy.
- Hans Thomsen.↩