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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Commander Paul Foley and L. I. Thomas to Edward N. Hurley, Chairman, Shipping Board

Subject Copy.                 File No. <46-4-17>

                              No. 36

Cablegran Sent      April 11, 1918.          TOH1

To Opnav, Washington.         Serial No. 6315

Prep. by C-3        NCT2          D.R.

          31 ARD

VERY SECRET

6315.     <Shipmission 36> Following for Hurley with copy to Requa and Petroleum War Service Committe<e>, begins.  As result of recent negotiations, Admiralty have submitted revised fuel oil statement for year ending March 31st, 1919.

Statement mailed you April 6th.

Mail features are as follows:

ONE       Stocks April 1st home and Mediterranean 1,145,000 tons showing deficit of 74,000 tons as compared with forecast of March 1st. This explained as follows:

A.   Arrivals at receiving stations ex tankers and double bottoms during March 95,000 tons less than estimate.

B.   Decrease in expenditure and gain through estimate of fuel oil losses 21,000 tons. Difference between A. and B. 74,000 tons.

TWO       Estimate of expenditure for 12 months increased about 13,000 tons per month. Expenditure of American Naval units operating in U.K. still estimated at 25,000 tons per month but we agree this will increase with arrival of new destroyers including those of Ford Type.

THREE.         Assuming double bottom loading British steamers from America during March and April to be 50,000 tons per month, total two months 100,000 tons, but thereafter resumed at 100,000 tons per month the stocks on hand should reach established reserve during August thereafter steadily increasing so that at end of March, 1919 stocks should be in excess 245,000 tons.

FOUR.          If American tankers referred to in our telegram No. 42943 are withdrawn but double bottom shipments maintained as in three then established reserves will be reached in October thereafter steadily increasing so that at the end of March 1919 stocks should be in excess 80,000 tons.

FIVE.          If double bottom shipments are discontinued after April except 10,000 tons with light general cargoes then after allowing for assignment to Transatlantic of proportion of tankers now engaged in transporting double bottom oil to naval bases stocks at end of March 1919 are estimated at 944,000 tons or a deficit of 455,000 tons.

SIX.      As per five, plus withdrawal of American tankers as per four, stocks at end of March 1919 estimated at 779,000 tons or a deficit of 620,000 tons.

In connection with above we observe.

SEVEN.         War cabinet has taken no decision to discontinue double bottom shipments although account general tonnage situation this is greatly desired if possible.

EIGHT.         Instructions to Gurthrie4 for April are to lead double bottoms minimum of 40,000 tons but all fitted cargo ships are to be loaded with fuel oil so as to bring them to their marks.

NINE.          Authorities promise to submit within few days their proposals as to Eastern reroutings. Have explained until these proposals ascertaining if further assignments can be made to Trans-Atlantic we cannot make any recommendations.

TEN.      Will cable later concerning Pool Board with which is included War Office requirements. Signed Foley and Thomas.

Sims     

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

Footnote 1: Initials of the transcriber.

Footnote 2: Capt. Nathan C. Twining, Sims’ Chief of Staff.

Footnote 4: Sir Cannop Guthrie, British Ministry of Shipping.

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