DEPARTMENT OF STATE.

SUBMARINE WARFARE. 283
[Incloaure 1.]
Affidavit of Father Joseph F. Wareing, American Citizen.
UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND,
Cork (Queenstowri), Ireland.
FEBRUARY 25, 1917.
I, the undersigned, do affirm that the following is a
true statement of the torpedoing of the steamship
Laconia. According to questions asked:
1. Nationality of submarine.
Nationality of submarine: German.
2. Whether submarine or torpedo was seen.
Submarine was not seen.
3. Locality and distance from shore where ship was
torpedoed.
Locality and distance from shore, about 200 or 250
miles west of Fastnet.
4. Time of day.
Time: About 9.20 p. m.
5. Presence of other boats near by or in sight.
At time of torpedoing no other boats near or in sight.
6. Measures taken by submarine to secure safety of
crew and passengers, as for example towing small boats
to shore.
No warning given and no measures taken by submarine
for safety of crew and passengers whatever.
7. When and how persons on board were rescued.
Rescued by small boats of the Laconia, first boat
getting away about 10 minutes after first torpedo struck.
The last (the Capt's) boat about 20 minutes after first
and ten after second torpedo.
8. Whether perils suffered preceding rescue.
No perils to speak of were suffered in rescuing.
9. Whether vessel was torpedoed or shelled without
warning.
Laconia was torpedoed without warning.
10. Whether vessel endeavored to escape or resist
submarine.
As we were torpedoed without warning there was no
possible chance of escape.
11. Whether vessel was torpedoed and shelled after
flight and resistance had ceased and before all persons
were clear of the ship.
We were torpedoed a second time before all passengers
were off.
12. Number and character of casualties and particular
causes of casualties.
Can't say.
13. State weather and sea at time of sinking and preceding
rescue.
The night was partly cloudy with a moderate wind
and sea very choppy at time of sinking.
14. Port of departure and destination of vessel sunk.
From New York to Liverpool.
15. Character of cargo. •
Can't say.