Naval History and Heritage Command

Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Wates, to Oswyn A. R. Murray, Secretary of the Admiralty

U.S. NAVAL FORCES OPERATING IN EUROPEAN WATERS

U.S.S. MELVILLE, FLAGSHIP

TELEPHONE VICTORIA 9110               30 GROSVENOR GARDENS,

CABLE ADDRESS, “SIMSADUS”                       LONDON S.W. 1

REERENCE NO

September 1, 1917.

HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL.

          Memorandum for Secretary of the Admiralty.

          In the matter of dispatch of U. S. submarines to European Waters thus far the only plan sanctioned by the Navy Department is to send five boats of the K Class with a single turret monitor as Tender, to the Azores, to be based at Horta or Ponta Delgada.

          Information has been received that five boats of the L Class may be expected to be dispatched somewhat later, but no decision has yet been made as to their base.

          I am informed that the monitor to be sent to the Azores will be the U. S. S. TONOPAH, which is armed with 2 – 12” guns and a number of smaller guns, probably of 4” caliber.

Wm S. Sims