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

Subject Copy.                            File No. <4-[2?]-30>

Cablegram Sent 6 July 1918    RES

To Opnav Washington                      Serial No. 720

Prep. by A-1                SX   D.R.

33 ADR             

CONFIDENTIAL

720. British request that we place at their disposal as reinforcements 190 Naval Aviators who have had from 30 to 40 hours flying on float type machines. Personnel to arrive between August first and October fifteenth at rate of thirty every two weeks. They agree to train these pilots on large flying boats and request that they remain at British Stations for period of six months after completion of their training. Although recommending approval of general policy of reinforcing our Allies, consider it urgent that our own requirements as regards trained personnel be satisfied before we consider reinforcing the British with a view to turning over Aviators when all our present projects have been executed. Recommend that training facilities be utilised to the utmost so that trained personnel will be available at a later date for this purpose.1 22006. 720.

Sims