The sinking of the Lusitania is often cited as the reason for America’s entry into the First World War. In fact it had little political impact.

However, soon afterwards British Intelligence uncovered a secret German plot in a telegram sent by the German Foreign Minister, Arthur Zimmerman.  The proposal was for Mexico to invade the USA.  Following this, a furious American public supported America’s entry into the First World War on the side of the Allies.

The code was actually cracked by British Naval Intelligence.   Later, the writer, Ian Fleming who worked for British Naval Intelligence during the Second World War, used the number of this code for his fictitious spy, James Bond.