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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 Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels

 

TROOPS IN SINGLE MERCANTILE VESSELS

                          CABLEGRAM SENT       4th August 1917.

To Secretary of the Navy, Washington             Serial No 195

Via Q-21

     One hundred and ninetyfive. Both ST. LOUIS and PHILADELPHIA carrying troops attacked by a submarine on last trip.1 British liners carrying more than one hundred troops are required to cross in convoy. (stop) If Department expects to continue transport of troops in American liners I should be informed of date of readiness of vessels and they should be directed to join British liner convoys (stop) Next liner convoy leaves Halifax eleventh August (stop) Subsequent dates will be announced. Above procedure essential to safety.

Sims.

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. A note in the upper-right corner specifies “6 Copies” and below is an identification number “3/6”.

Footnote 1: Neither ship suffered any damage.

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