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.