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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Captain Richard H. Jackson, American Naval Representative to the Ministry of Marine, to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

HEADQUARTERS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT.

MINISTERE DE LA MARINE            

PARIS.                  

August 9, 1917.    

From:     Captain R.H.JACKSON, U.S.N.

To:       Vice Admiral Sims, U.S.N.

Subject: Convoys – general plans.

     The French Ministry of Marine stands ready to meet vessels convoyed to within 100 miles of France at a point previously designated and escort them to the French port of destination.

     They also clearly understand that the escort-out-bound – of empty ships is to be carried on by French and American Patrols base on French Ports.

     I think that Admiral De Bon1 was no[t] altogether convinced of the superior advantages of a large combined escort of all vessels, but he expressed full willingness to co-operate in its execution. I pointed out that the submarine warfare in the Gulf of Gascony was moving farther to the westward and that it would necessitate organizing convoys, as single ships would practically be without protection when at great distances from the port.

     I further assured Admiral De Bon that trial of large convoys had thus far been very successful.

R.H.JACKSON.       

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

Footnote 1: VAdm. Ferdinand Jean Jacques de Bon, Chief of Staff, French Navy.

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