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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 Admiral William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations

Chronological Copy.                        File No. <49-8-1>

Cablegram Sent April 20 1918

To       Opnav Washington                  Serial No. 6813 LEM

Prep. by       CS                 NCT1 D.R.

                                      31ARD

6813. Your 5106.2 My cable six nine nine nine3 was a message from Mr. Lawrence Addicks a member of the Naval Consulting Board to another member of the same Board. I am not in any way responsible for the message, except in so far as it states that I favor “Any plan to ensure prompt addition to chaser fleet which does not impede deliveries on other orders and with<out> criticising other designs.” I have frequently recommended that anti-submarine craft including large destroyers, Ford destroyers, and submarine chasers be sent to these waters as rapidly as practicable, and I have assumed that the Department was making every effort possible to send such vessels across. I am of the opinion and so informed Mr. Addicks that it is vitally necessary that the anti-submarine vessels now under construction be completed and dispatched to these waters without delay. The question of undertaking the construction of vessels of this type in addition to those now on the program is under consideration in connection with Department’s cable five naught four six,4 but I have not expressed any opinion in regard to it as yet. I have not been, and shall not be, a party to any proposals by any Board or individual regarding design of vessels for anti-submarine work. 22520. 6813

SIMS               

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

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

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