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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 the Bureau of Ordnance

Subject Copy.                                File No. 54-1-33

CABLEGRAM SENT 13th August <1918.> EWC

To   Opnav, Washignton (Buord).              Serial No. 2768

Prep. by  M-4                      NCT  D.R.

N.                 

CONFIDENTIAL.

2768. Your personal confidential letter 28737-3241 last paragraph. I consider the use of gun of such extreme range, for use as suggested in your letter, would have a decided detrimental effect on the morale of the enemy and at the same time a most favourable effect on the morale of the Allies especially the civilian public. The military advantage of such a weapon would depend somewhat upon its accuracy. It might be used on the 14-inch Naval Railway mounts to bombard large ammunition dumps or tactical supply centers thus forcing the enemy to accumulate his supplies farther to the rear of his lines than at present which might be of considerable advantage. It is difficult to anticipate the requirements far in advance and it is probable that the necessity for such a gun will be greater in the future than at present. It is recommended that BUORD proceed with the development of such a gun as proposed with the utmost despatch. 174913. 2768.

Sims.              

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B.

Footnote 1: This letter has not been found.

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