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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

DISPATCH TO BE SENT.

Date April 24, 1918

To   Opnav

Prepared by      Admiral                  No. 6963

-   - - - - - -

HIGHLY SECRET.

     Situation Western Front regarded with very considerable anxiety.

     If Amiens is captured British left wing may have to fall back uncovering channel ports.1

     As this will greatly increase length of army’s lines of communication with England across most dangerous waters many more escorting vessels will be necessary.

     Earnestly recommend all serviceable destroyers be sent earliest pracitcable [i.e., practicable] moment.

SIMS.

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

Footnote 1: While the German army’s offensive advance threatened the railroad center of Amiens, the Allies were ableto retain control of it and the British were not forced to relinquish the channel ports of Le Havre, Calais, and Dunkirk. Gilbert, The First World War: 410.

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