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 10 July 1918   REM

11/4/4   

To   Opnav Washington

Prep. by O-1             SX

48 ARD             

SECRET

865. There are about 20 ships of 9.5 knots speed sailing every 8 days for French Atlantic ports and this number is gradually increasing. It would facilitate escort operations on French Coast if Bay of Biscay convoys were sailed every 8 days. Under present methods where shoreships are included in N.Y. convoy escort must be available both for New York convoy and for Bay of Biscay convoy. If Bay of Biscay convoys were sailed every 8 days there would be stronger escort available to meet these convoys as well as stronger escort for convoys sailing westward from Bordeaux. 063101     865

SIMS.