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Naval History and Heritage Command

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

Action Copy

          Cablegram Received  Sept 28, 1917

Origin    Opnav Washington              Serial No. 538

Via       NCB 13                       Date No. 13028

Copies to C. of S.; J.V.B.1            File No. <4-4-17>

<4-17-1>

Action Referred to.

Action taken.

Date.

Init.

Ref. No.

E.C.T.2

Cable to Alusna

30/9/17

Cone

H. I. Cone3

1/10/17

Cable to Opnav

 

 

 

To: Simsadus.

Opnav 538. Referring Departments dispatch thirteen zero fifteen (13015) <no. 437> Department does not consider advisable provide sea-plane carrier at present times period  As result of experimental kite balloon of approximately nineteen thousand cubic feet capacity considered much better than larger size for naval use on account of situation in tow and ease of handling period.  Several of this type now ordered period  Italy Aeronautics commission have proposed supply dirigibles to American Naval Air Stations in France period  Has the matter of obtaining dirigibles from Italy been fully investigated and if so what are recommendations period  Am informed that Caproni sea plane is about ready for test near Milan 13028

Admiral Benson.         

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B.

Footnote 1: “C. of S.” was Sims’s chief of staff, Capt. Nathan C. Twining; “J.V.B.” was Sims’ aide Cmdr. John V. Babcock.

Footnote 2: “E.C.T.” was Paymaster Eugene C. Tobey, head of the Materials Section on Sims' staff.

Footnote 3: Capt. Hutchinson I. Cone, the newly-appointed head of the U.S. Navy’s aviation program in Europe.

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