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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 Vice Admiral Lewis Bayly, Commander, Southern Ireland

Admiral Sims

Personal Files

U. S. Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

LONDON . 9th August, 1917.   

My dear Admiral,

          I am enclosing correspondence concerning method of painting both destroyers and merchant ships for your information.

          It seems to me that there is a great deal in this scheme (which is perhaps still in an experimental stage) for the problem whatever it may be – a Man of War or a merchant ship- is not a simple one under the best condition, and anything we can do therefor to further complicate it for him would seem to be justified, particularly as there is little, if any expense involved, and as it is no way, as far as I can see, interfere with our tactics, I am inclined to agree with a statement in one of the papers here under that the plan is justified even if it should result in saving a single ship.

          I am quite willing that you should go ahead and paint some or all of the U. S. destroyers along these lines if you are so inclined.

          I will be glad to have you return the enclosed papers to me at your convenience, together with your comments, as I am considering sending the entire matter to Washington for this information.

Very sincerely yours,             

Source Note: LT, DLC-MSS, William Sims Papers, Box 23.

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