It is, therefore, ordered that through the United States Shipping Board there be taken over to the United States the possession and title of the aforementioned vessels. The United States Shipping Board is further hereby authorized to repair, equip and man the said vessels; to operate, lease or charter the same in any service of the United States, or in any commerce, foreign or coastwise; and to do and perform any and all things that may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of the Joint Resolution above set forth.
Woodrow Wilson.
The White House, June 30, 1917.
(No. 2651)
Copy of Order
UNITED STATES SHIPPING BOARD
Washington, D. C, July 11, 1917.
Mr. Anthony V. Lynch,
New York, N. Y.
Sir: The President has issued an Executive Order authorizing the United States Shipping Board, on behalf of the United States, to take possession and title to the Vaterland, now lying or shortly to arrive at Hoboken, New Jersey, and you are hereby authorized and appointed by the United States Shipping Board as its agent to take possession of said vessel as contemplated in said Executive Order. Proceed aboard of said vessel at once and take possession of her in the name of the United States Shipping Board for and on behalf of the United States of America, affixing this Order on some conspicuous part of the ship, and leaving a true copy in its place when the original is removed. You are instructed thereupon to make Return, under oath, upon this Original Order of your action in the premises.