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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

COPY

File number <11/3/11>        

CABLEGRAM RECEIVED  August <5, 1918,> 19406  AHI

Origin Opnav Washington            Ser. No. 9475

42 ARD

SECRET

Simsadus,

9475 Following cable received by British Commander in Chief1 QUOTE As submarines reported western Atlantic are at present between New York and Chesapeake Bay area, vessels from U K below speed 13 knots are being routed North of area if bound New York, south if bound Chesapeake Bay and north or south if bound Delaware Bay latter being sent by X or Z routes respectively if necessary and then hug coast. Latter case will be specified in report sent in accordance with paragraph 8 approaching routes. UNQUOTE As the agreement with Navy Department is that after general plans meet with the Joint approval, we will handle the diversion routes at this end for westbound ships, this cable does not accord. It happens in this particular case to route ships direct through area of operations of the only two submarines at present on this coast. British C-in-C concurs in general scheme that westbound diversion better be handled from this end. 17005 94752

Benson            

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Document reference: “C/J/H/1/3.”

Footnote 1: VAdm. Sir William Lowther Grant, Commander-in-Chief, North American and the West Indies Station.

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