Skip to main content
Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

Action [Copy.]                              File No. <27-5-5>

Cablegram Received <August 8, 1918.> EMC

Origin    Opnav Washington (Secnav)              Ser. No. 9631

Ref’d. to

Date

ACTION, NOTES and INITIALS.

CS-2

9 Aug.

<S[t?]               Aug 8 1918>

<AC>

<WB>

<S[wo?]>

<Aug 10>

<See our 2675 Opnav HRH>1

 

     48 ARD                 SECRET.

Simsadus.

9631. 14” guns on railroad mount now in France.2 The building and forwarding of these guns has been kept secret to date in order to prevent information concerning them reaching enemy. As soon as they become actually engaged on fireing line further secrecy may have no useful Military effect. I would appreciate an expression of opinion from you as to the advisability of giving the story of these guns to the public and when. 19008.9631.

Benson.

1118 AM 8/9/18.

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. The handwritten date is confirmed by the time/date stamp at the end of the cable.

Footnote 1: Document 2675 has not been found. HRH refers to Ens. Henry R. Heard, R.F., a member of the Communications Section on Sims’ staff.

Related Content