New-York tribune., 1918-06-04
Believe Germany
Has U-Boat Base
On Mexican, Coast
Passengers From Tampico
Say 1t Is Located in Island
Bay OF Yucatan

German submarines are reported to
be operating from base located in a
sequestered bay amonE some islands
eff the northeast coast of the State Of
Yucatan, Mexico. The bay probably is
east of Progreso, which is the port
Of Merida, the capital Of Yucatan.
About six weeks ago United States
Secret Service agents, who investigated
the Mexican coast from Tampico south
ward, through the states of Vera Cruz,
Tobasco and Campechc to Yucatan,
found the ports inhabited by colonies
Of Germans and Mexicans, who we're
avowed German sympathizers Soon
after this evidence was sent to Wash
ington sufficient to warrant the belief
that these Germans had knowledge of
the existence of a German submarine
base in Yucatan.
Passengers Bring Report
Such were the reports brought to
New York by passengers who arrived
yesterday from Tampico by way Of
Key West. They declared that among
American business men in Mexico the
conviction is general that the for-scat-
tered islands off the Yucatan coast
form the refuge for U U.boats.
"As long as two weeks ago all yes-
sells in the Gulf of Mexico were warned
of the probable presence of subma-
rines, and several lines sent out wire
less warnings for their ships to make
the nearest port as soon as possible" i"
said prominent oil man from Tampico
yesterday. at is common KNOWLEDGE
in Mexico that the Germans there are
working for the Kaiser in every posi-
Bile way. They find no hostility among
the Mexlcans, who are openly anti
American. The surprising thing would
be, not if Germany sent her subma-
rines to Mexican waters, but if she
failed to do it for Mexico, even if she
desired to maintain the strictest neu-
trality, has no navy with which to
patrol the Gulf of Mexico.
"Washington has been fully advised
of the situation. The government
agents made a thorough search. but
beyond the fact that they found strong
pro-German settlements all along the
coast, as anyone else could find if they
travelled there, no one knows exactly
what report was sent to the Navy De-
partment
Ideal Spot for Base
"The sheltered keys off the northeast
coast of Yucatan and west Brogrcso
would be about as fine and we'll pro-
tected base as the German naval
commanders would want. Not only
are these islands we'll off the regular
routes of travel, but they are pro-
tected by intricate sand bars and
corals reefs. Yet they are within con-
venient striking distance of the At
lantic coast. 1t is less than 900 miles
to point off Barnegat, which is about
$500 miles less than they would have
to travel if their base was in German
waters. They could be we'll supplied
with food and oil in Yucatan and pos
slbly some ammunition"
Mexican officials in New York vester-
day scoffed at any suggestion that SUBJ
marines sought protection in Mexican
waters. Aolfo de la Huerta, the Mexi-
can Consul General. would not discuss
the subject. lnquirers at his office
were referred to an assistant
ut is ridiculous" said the assistant
Mexican is trying with all her power
to be neutral. She would not for an
instant lend aid to an enemy of a
friendly country"