THE CUSHING WAS HIT BY AIRMAN'S BOMB
Van Dyke Reports Attack on American Ship––To Make Representation to Germany.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, May 1.—Secretary Bryan today received from American Minister Henry van Dyke at The Hague a report on the attack by German aviators on the American steamship Cushing, and said tonight that this report would be immediately cabled to Ambassador Gerard at Berlin for his information. Ambassador Gerard will bring the matter to the attention of the German Government. The report from Minister van Dyke was very brief, and read as follows:
“The American Consul at Rotterdam reports that the American steamship Cushing, Captain Herland, with petroleum from New York to Rotterdam, flying the American flag, was attacked by German aeroplanes near the North Hinder Lightship, afternoon April 29. Three bombs dropped, one struck ship, causing damage, but no life lost.”
Officials here said the case was the first of its kind during the present war, and that so far as they could recollect there was no precedent in other wars. While there are no international conventions specifically covering the incident, it was generally believed today that representations would be made to Germany with request for payment of damages, on the ground that a neutral vessel, which under the ordinary rules of international law, should be free from molestation, had been attacked.
It was not thought in official quarters that any serious issue would be raised, because it is accepted that the bombs were not dropped deliberately, but under the impression that a hostile vessel was being attacked.
The Cushing had $419,000 insurance on her hull and cargo issued by the Government War Risk Bureau. She is a Standard Oil ship, formerly under German registry.
