November 12, 1941
     
  PRG 014.311-Puerto Rico.  
     
  MEMORANDUM for the Deputy Chief of Staff.  
     
                    Subject:  Detention of Belligerent Aliens  
     
          1.        By first endorsement dated November 10, 1941(RG 014.311 (11-2-41) Mc), there was referred to this office for necessary action paraphrase of a radiogram from the Commanding General, Puerto Rican Department, dated November 5, 1941, reading as follows:  
     
 
        "This department has been requested by the 10th Naval District to intern crew of foreign merchant vessel, reference AG 014.311 (1-13-41) M-A secret dated March 11, 1941.  While flying U.S. flag and with U.S. flag painted on sides vessel was taken into custody by Navy.  Total crew of 46 consisting of 34 ratings and 12 officers thought to be German Navy officers by 10th Naval District.  Instructions requested.  Request decision on status of crew if authorized to intern crew.  Reported by Navy that about November 15, 1941 ship with crew will arrive San Juan."
 
     
          2.        Following informal conference with the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-h (Lieutenant Colonel Hopping and Colonel Goodman), and with the Deputy Chief of Staff, the following reply was dispatched this date:  
     
 
        "REGARD ONE ZERO EIGHT NOVEMBER EIGHTH YOU ARE AUTHORIZED TO TAKE INTO CUSTODY AND DETAIN ALL MEMBERS OF CREW OF VESSEL  TO WHICH YOU REFER STOP SOLDIERS RATION AUTHORIZED STOP TREATMENT SHOULD BE SIMILAR TO THAT OF PRISONERS OF WAR NOT REPEAT NOT AS CRIMINALS STOP HOWEVER THEY SHOULD NOT REPEAT NOT BE REFERRED TO AS PRISONERS OF WAR STOP AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE REPORT FULL DESCRIPTION OF PERSONNEL IN ORDER THAT STATUS CAN BE DETERMINED AND FURTHER DISPOSITION DIRECTED."
 
     
          For the Provost Marshal General:  
     
     
                                                                                                Archer L. Lerch,  
                                                                                     Lieutenant Colonel, J.A.G.D.,  
                                                                                     Deputy Provost Marshal General.  
  Copies to:  
      The Asst. Chief of Staff, G-1.  
      The Asst. Chief of Staff, G-2.  
      The Asst. Chief of Staff, G-4.  
      The Adjutant General.  
      The Judge Advocate General, Navy.  
      Office Naval Intelligence, Navy.  
 
    War Plans.