Naval History and Heritage Command

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

Cablegram Sent         August 21, 1917

To   Opnav    Washington                Serial No. 313

Via       N C B D

Sent <21 Aug 1917>  Initials <E Mc C>1 File No. <11-14-1a>

Copies to: Chief of Staff; Babcock; Tobey.2

Number three hundred thirteen. 19017. Referring your 1863 minimum military need of situation requires development of shore establishment at Pauillac along lines recommended by my 208 stop4 To furnish such mother ships as are contemplated by Department will afford most expensive substitute by diverting valuable trans-Atlantic tonnage stop. Existing tonnage situation is such that only gravest consideration of policy will justify permanent removal from ocean trade of even one such ship stop The complete facilities ashore at Gibraltar make mother ship that base unnecessary stop Tentative arrangements indicate that shore base Pauillac may be ready for work in eight weeks after authorization and completed within three months if tools are received promptly from United States stop Urgently request authority to proceed with work at once.5

Sims.