Naval History and Heritage Command

Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters, to Commander Charles R. Train, United States Naval Attaché at Rome

29241

13th August 1918.       

From: Force Commander

To:  Naval Attache, Italian Embassy.

Subject:  Second barrage Otranto Channel, Otranto Aspri-Ruga.

Reference: (a) Your letter INA-864 of 22 July 19181

 (b) Force Commander’s letter 24-27231 of 30 July 1918.2

     1.   In reply to your letter, reference (a), and in continuation of my letter, reference (b), careful consideration has been given to the request contained in your letter of 22 July 1918.

     2.   I have communicated with my Government and after due consideration it appears that the United States is not in a position to furnish the material for the second net barrage of the Otranto Channel, Otranto Aspri-Ruga, without unduly interfering with providing the necessary material for contemplated mining operations in the Mediterranean.3

WM. S. SIMS.