DEPARTMENT OF STATE.

228 SUBMARINE WARFARE,
These affidavits will be delivered to the Embassy in London
by the Assistant Naval Attache, it being understood
that the contents will be more rapidly transmitted to the
Department, and also that as the Ambassador had instructed
the Assistant Naval Attache" to proceed to Liverpool
to investigate that the affidavits should be taken by
him to the Ambassador.
A brief summary of the information listed in the affidavits
is that the Nebraskan at 8.24 p. m. May 25th, while
in Latitude 51.14 N., Longitude 10.52 W., experienced a
severe shock, and that after a short but marked interval
there was a loud explosion, which did serious damage to
the fore part of the vessel, fortunately hurting no one
seriously.
The Nebraskan was under charter by the White Star
Company for the return voyage and was proceeding in
water ballast with no cargo to the Delaware Breakwater.
It was early dusk when the explosion took place; there
was also moonlight, and the words "NEBRASKAN of New
York" were painted in white letters six feet tall on each
side of the ship. It was the opinion of the Captain that
objects were clearly visible for at least 2,000 feet.
The American flag had been flown since leaving Liverpool
until about ten minutes before the explosion occurred.
It was immediately after the explosion rehoisted.
The crew left the vessel, but returned in an hour's time.
The Nebraskan was escorted to the Mersey Bar, and the
Captain is to-day writing a letter to the Admiralty expressing
appreciation.
The Nebraskan was put alongside dock at lip. m., May
27th, and will shortly go into dry dock, when it is the
pui^ose of Lieutenant Towers and Naval Constructor
McBride to photograph her.
These circumstances were reported to the Department
in condensed form by cable, which is confirmed under a
separate cover.
I have, etc.,
HORACE LEE WASHINGTON.
File No. 300.115N27/13.
Ambassador W. H. Page to the Secretary of State.
No. 1511.] AMERICAN EMBASSY,
London, May 28, 1915.
SIR: With reference to my telegram of to-day's date,
No. 2186, I have the honor to transmit herewith enclosed
the detailed report made by Lieutenant Towers, Assistant
Naval Attache of this Embassy, on the case of the American
steamer Nebraskan and depositions of three of the
ship's officers made before the Consul at Liverpool.
I have, etc.,
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