DEPARTMENT OF STATE.

284 SUBMARINE WARFARE.
16. Whether Americans on board were passengers or
crew.
Six American passengers. Two of crew (colored).
Witness my hand.
REV. JOSEPH F. WAREING.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 27th day of
February, 1917, in witness whereof I have annexed my
hand and seal of office.
WESLEY FROST,
American Consul.
[Seal of American Consulate.]
[Inclosure 2.]
Affidavit of Robert GiUis, American Citizen.
UNITED KINGDOM OP GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND,
County of Cork, Ireland.
I, Robert Gillis, U. S. citizen, being sworn, affirm:
I was a night-watchman on the Laconia, when she was
torpedoed by a German submarine, 150 miles W. of
Fastnet at 9.30 p. m. ship's time, Feb. 25th, 1917. The
weather was pretty fair—overcast sky with stars showing
very light breeze and slight swells. There was no warning
whatever, and could be no attempt to escape. The
engines were stopped at impact of first torpedo. About
20-30 minutes were occupied in taking to boats, a second
torpedo being fired then. Myself and about 6
officers were the only persons left when it struck, and we
took at once to boat. The ship sank about 1 hr. after
the first torpedo.
We were picked up about 4 a. m., Feb. 26th.
The Germans apparently gave us time deliberately
between the two torpedoes in order that the passengers
and crew might take safely to the boats.
ROBERT GILLIS.
Subscribed and sworn before me Feb. 27, 1917.
WESLEY FROST,
Consul of the United States of America.
[Seal of the American Consulate.]
File No. 841.857/408.
Consul Washington to the Secretary of State.
[Extract.]
No. 820.] AMERICAN CONSULATE,
Liverpool, March 2, 1917.
SIR: Respectfully referring to despatch No. 819 l of
February 28th last and previous correspondence and
cables in regard to the destruction of the S. S. Laconia, I
have the honor to report that, after conference with the
Admiralty's representative in Liverpool and the General
Manager of the Cunard Steamship Company, it was
thought advisable to telegraph Surgeon Kennedy, of the
1 Not printed.