Messersmith, G.S.
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University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
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Tells story of discovery in Curaçao of code books of German cruiser Karlsruhe; early in World War I Karlsruhe had stopped in Curaçao for refueling; fearing capture by British cruisers and possible inability to destroy codes, Karlsruhe left her codes with German Consul Fensohn in Curaçao; U.S. Intelligence heard rumor and sent German-American agent Duhn to verify rumor and if possible obtain code; he went first to Caracas, gave impression of German to Minister, Von Prohlius, who was well-known as leader of German intelligence and propaganda; Von Prohlius, fearing for safety of code in Fensohn's possession, sent Duhn to Curaçao with authorization to obtain code and bring it to Caracas to him; Duhn was able to obtain code but instead of taking it to Caracas he took it to Puerto Rico and turned it over to American authorities; Messersmith's only part in action was to help Duhn in making quick getaway; was informed later code communicated to all British and American Naval vessels and were means of luring many German submarines to surface where they might be more easily destroyed.