Arizona republican., 1919-12-21
YANKEE SAIL L0RS
 JAILED: MEXICAN ISSUES MUDDLED
Naval Department Asks Lansing to Take "Appro- priate Action" to Secure Release or Prompt Trial of Bluejackets Improperly Fed
IRepubIican A. p. Leased Wirel


 WASHINGTON, Dec. 2O.-The state department was asked by Secretary Daniels today to take appropriate ac tion'' to secure the release or prompt trial of the two American bluejackets who have been held in jail at Mazat- Ian. Mexico, since November 12, when they were arrested for alleged partici- patton in street fighting.
 Secretary Daniels also transmitted report from the commander of the scout patrol boat Pocomoko, to which the two men were attached. The re- port said the men had been held nearly six weeks without trial, enduring hardships. including insufficient food, despite efforts of their commander and the American consul to persuade the Mexican authorities to release them.
 ment follows:
 The Announcement
 The navy department is in receipt cers T.. s. S. Pocomoko, S. P. No. 2e5, through the commander United States Submarine Base, San Pedro, Caiif., which reports the arrest and detention by the civil authorities at Mazatlan of Harry V. Leonard. Dlachinists mate, second class, and Harry O. lIar.in fireman. first class.
 This letter, which was forwarded from San Pedro under date of Decem- Der s. is signed by George E. Henning. boatswain U.- $. N-, and gives details of the arrest and Imprisonment of the two members of the crew.
 The secretary of tie navy has sent a copy of the letter to the secretary of state with a request that appropri- ate action be taken by your depart ment to the end that these men may avail themselves of the good offices of the consul other accredited rep resentatives of this government during their trial and that their release after prompt and legal action may be as- sured and their return to naval juris- diction effected as soon possible. Reporting the incident, Boatswain Henning said:
 While in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico. on November 12, 1919, the men were granted liberty, to expire midnight, November 12, 1919. Upon expira ton of the above liberty, the men failed to report to the Ship.
 Inquiries being made, it was ascer- tained that these men were arrested charged with assault and battery for striking a Mexican man.
 Improperly Provided For
 Every effort was made by the for mer commanding officer, also the American consul MT. Chapman, to ob- tdiii lucH IcitdSt. IoOln 1leu were un- tiring in their efforts
 While these men were imprisoned our men and the consul visited them and found out that they were not fur nished with bed clothing of any sort. Also that their food was entirely in- sufficient Bed clothing was furnished them by the ship, also two meals day furnished by the ship. The American consul took them sandwiches, etc.
 "A small contribution by the crew was given the consul for their suste- nance if they got out and until they can be sent back to the United States |
 As they are both being carried on l the rolls of this vessel as being absent l over leave, it is requested that I be l furnished with some information as to | their disposal, and also as to what ac- | tion the state or navy department may have taken for their release. Dispo- | sition is also requested for the records | of the above named men