Skip to main content
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 the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

     CABLEGRAM SENT      8 April 1918  RES

To Opnav Washington                        Serial No. 6214

Prep. by CS        NCT1         D.R.

                                       25 D

6214. Your 4605.2 Admiralty believes it desirable that a United States man-of-war be at Mourmansk for three reasons. First: A force of considerable strength may be needed at any time; Second: Russians of all classes should be impressed with the unity of the Allies; Third: Russian feeling for United States is somewhat more friendly than for Great Britain so that some difficulties might be avoided if a United States man-of-war were present.

     There is no vessel in my forces suitable for this detail, unless one of the battleships be taken. I strongly recommend that no one of the battleships now in European Waters be diverted to this duty, but that a pre-dreadnaught battleship or armored cruiser from home waters be sent.3 <23508> 6214

Sims.        

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

Footnote 1: Sims' Chief of Staff, Capt. Nathan C. Twining.

Footnote 2: See: Benson to Sims, 5 April 1918.

Footnote 3: For Benson’s response, see: Benson to Sims, 9 April 1918.

Related Content