811.348 Z 4/140
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Spain (Johnson)
Sir: In reply to your despatch No. 132 of November 6, 1923, relating to the proposed flight of the airship ZR–3, the Department [Page 174] transmits the following information furnished by the Navy Department to be communicated to the Spanish Government:
“The airship ZR–3 will enter Spanish territory in the vicinity of Gijon, will proceed in a straight line for Cape Finisterre, and will leave Spanish territory at Cape Finisterre, the passage from point to point taking approximately three and one-half hours.
“The purpose of the voyage is the transfer of the airship from the German contractors to the United States Government.
“The airship will be commanded by Dr. Hugo Eckener of the Zeppelin Company.
“The airship will carry no cargo other than its own spare parts, baggage of the personnel, oil and fuel for the ship, and food for the personnel.
“In all probability the airship will bear no other mark than U. S. Navy ZR–3. If this mark is not carried, it is probable that she will bear the Zeppelin Company’s manufacturing designation L.Z. 126. It is not believed that the nationality and registration marks in accordance with the International Convention for Air Navigation will be carried.
“The airship is of the type L.Z. 126 and has a capacity of 2,400,000 cu. ft. Its motive power consists of five 400 h. p. Maybach engines.”
I am [etc.]