Skip to main content
Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels to Lieutenant Commander William R. Sayles, United States Naval Attaché at Paris

 

Copy

AMERICAN EMBASSY PARIS

September 1, 1917

Copy of telegram

received

Naval Attache

   PARIS

Naval Attache London1 has been ordered as intelligence officer on staff of Vice-Admiral Sims.2 You will communicate direct with Vice-Admiral Sims through Naval Attache London all important information immediately by cable and cooperate and render him every possible assistance in collection and coordination of information. You will obtain any and all information which he requests and he will communicate directly with you for this purpose. Arrange with Ambassador to --- all important information received from military attache, diplomatic and consular and other sources, communicated immediately to you and forward such information directly to Vice-Admiral Sims via Naval Attache London. At the same time such information is forwarded to Department. In sending such information by cable notation will be made on telegram to Department: “Vice-Admiral Sims informed”. On telegram to Vice-Admiral Sims: “Department informed”. In communicating with Naval Attache London, use this same code and keywords. Information which concerns Naval Attache Madrid,3 will also be forwarded to him direct using this same code and key words. He has been advised and will use same method in communicating with you.4 16030.

Daniels

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG45, Entry 517B. Filing note “MDH” appears in the upper-left corner and “478” just below “AMERICAN EMBASSY PARIS”.

Footnote 1: Capt. William D. MacDougall.

Footnote 2: VAdm. William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters.

Footnote 3: Capt. Benton C. Decker.

Related Content