Todd war diary, 3 August 1914-29 February 1916 / Arthur Todd - Page 187
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[Page 187]
Wardroom.
The Zealandia, according to our rangefinders was without the three mile neutral limit, and not in Mexican territory. She drew so much water that if she had gone closer in she would have run ashore. Were we therefore entitled to claim her as a prize? None of us really knew what the position was, tho' no doubt it is covered by international agreement.
It was curious that the Kentucky's rangefinders made the Zealandia just under three miles from the nearest point of land while ours always made her position just over the limit. So much was gathered from an exchange of signals. A deputation from the Sydney went ashore to see the British consul and found the town en fête.
They were a cheerful lot of villains ashore and looked with no favour on the ship which had come and stopped their Trade, for the Zealandia was preparing to take aboard a further cargo of contraband goods when the Isis came along and spoilt the deal.
Meanwhile the unfortunates aboard the Zealandia were having a rough time. As nobody would recognise her officially, and as there was no money aboard, they could obtain neither food or water, and often made querulous signals for sustenance to the Sydney and other ships nearby. However they got nothing as they had previously been offered the alternative of landing their cargo and being given a safe passage back whence they came. At last we saw signs of capitulation and the Zealandia began to unload her cargo and send it ashore where it was stored under the supervision of our Consul.