Naval History and Heritage Command

Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters, to Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels

Cable Dispatch

Sent: 5th June 1917               To: Secretary of the Navy.

Through: STATE DEPT.

Extra Confidential

     Five. Our Destroyers used nine thousand four hundred tons Admiralty oil in May, they will take eighteen thousand tons in June and about twentyfive thousand tons in July (stop). The Admiralty need every gallon they can get; the situation being most critical as the reserve is but two and a half months and is rapidly diminishing by increasing consumption and by losses, with little hope of recovery unless the United States render material assistance (stop) Arrangements should be made to replace our May and June consumption at least as early as possible (stop) Please enable me by early cable information to make clear to the Admiralty some features of the definite plans to alleviate the situation as a result of the pooling of tank tonnage – your cable 22002.1

                                      SIMS.