Messersmith, G.S.
Date
2011-06-15
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
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.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.