On the morning of April 7, 1917, word reached Guam by telegraph cable that the U.S. Congress had declared war on Germany. The Naval Governor of Guam, Roy Campbell Smith, sent two officers to inform the Cormoran that a state of war existed between the two countries, that the crew were now prisoners of war, and that the ship must be surrendered. Meanwhile, the USS Supply blocked the entrance to Apra Harbor to prevent any attempt to flee. In a separate boat, the two officers were accompanied by a barge commanded by Lt. W.A. Hall, who was designated prize master, and had brought 18 sailors and 15 Marines from the barracks at Sumay.
On the morning of April 7 1917 word reached Guam by telegraph cable that the US Congress had declared war on Germany The Naval Governor of Guam Roy Campbell Smith sent two officers to inform the Cormoran that a state of war existed between the two countries that the crew were now prisoners of war and that the ship must be surrendered Meanwhile the USS Supply blocked the entrance to Apra Harbor to prevent any attempt to flee In a separate boat the two officers were accompanied by a barge commanded by Lt WA Hall who was designated prize master and had brought 18 sailors and 15 Marines from the barracks at Sumay