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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Admiral William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations, to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

August 20, 1917.        

Chief of Naval Operations.                       Opnav 198

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Chief of Staff.1

For Admiral Sims.

From Chief of Naval Operations.

Opnav 198. Replying your two hundred eighty-five.2United States believes that the strategic situation recessitates [i.e., necessitates] keeping battleship force concentrated and cannot therefore consider the suggestion of sending a part of it across. The logistics of the situation would prevent the entire force going over except in case of extreme necessity. The Department desires that you discuss situation with Admiral Mayo upon arrival.3 10019.

Admiral Benson.    

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

Footnote 1: Sims’ chief of staff was Capt. Nathan C. Twining.

Footnote 3: Adm. Henry T. Mayo, Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet, was en route to England to consult with Allied naval leaders. He arrived on 27 August 1917.

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