Naval History and Heritage Command

Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters, to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

CABLEGRAM SENT-August 30, 1918.

To   Opnav Washington              Serial No. 3819.

S E C R E T

C  O  P  Y

3819 Mining of Area B Northern Barrage has been subject repeated conference with Admiralty with object of definitely determining extent and characteristics of minefield in that area and having it laid before rough weather sets in. In order to insure the effectiveness of the barrage in this area I have agreed in conference with Admiralty that the mine barrage in Area B shall in general be similar to that laid in Area A. British will supplement this by laying surface mines 6 feet below surface, which depth is necessary owing to 9 foot rise and fall of tide. About 12000 American mines will therefore be necessary for Area B and I request that Buord1 supply these additional mines required. The next mine laying operation of American and British mine laying forces will be in Area B. A ten mile channel east of Orkneys will be left unmined for the present to be mined later if submarines are found to use it.2 3819. 105130.

Sims