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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

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

      CABLEGRAM SENT   Sept. 22, 1917.

To:  Opnav  Washington                  Serial No. 616

Via: N C B D              Prep. by E.C.T. Apprvd. By N.C.T.1

Copies to: C, of S.; J.V.B.; (E.C.T., M.O.)2

616. Opnav 475.3 Solution army coal problem is being taken up vigorously. Opnav’s advice to War Department to lay requirement before me two weeks ago not followed. First heard of anticipated difficulties in Paris few days ago.4 Arrived London yesterday from Bordeaux.5

18122. Sims,       

 

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Identification in upper right-hand corner: “S 936.”

Footnote 1: Paymaster Eugene C. Tobey, head of Sims' Materials Section, and Sims’ chief of staff, Capt. Nathan C. Twining.

Footnote 2: Twining; Sims’ aide, Cmdr. John V. Babcock; and Tobey, the Materials Officer (“M.O.”) on Sims' Staff.

Footnote 3: See: William S. Benson to Sims, 20 September 1917, for further details on the Army’s “coal problem.”

Footnote 4: Sims had accompanied Adm. Henry T. Mayo, Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet, to France to meet with French naval leaders.

Footnote 5: On Sims’ visit to Bordeaux, see: Sims to Lewis Bayly, 22 September 1917.