Naval History and Heritage Command

Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters, to Rear Admiral Henry B. Wilson, Commander, United States Patrol Squadrons Operating in European Waters

CABLEGRAM SENT April 25, 1918 SFM1

To Comfran, Brest.                      Serial No. 1910

Prep. by O-1        SX        D.R.

31 ADR             

VERY SECRET

1910.     Your 1953.2 No difficulty is to be anticipated with defensively armed merchant vessels in Spanish ports provided the following declaration be made by the Commanding Officer within the first 24 hours after arrival in port.

     (a) That the vessel is destined exclusively to commerce.

     (b) That it will not be transferred into a ship of war or auxiliary cruiser before returning to U.S.

     (d) That the armament on board will be used only for defence of the vessel in case of attack.

          The foregoing declaration should be made through the consul.    1910.

Sims.