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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 Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

DISPATCH TO BE SENT.

Date:     August 19, 1918.

To  :     Opnav.

Prepared by: CS.    Approved NCT.1     Code 46 ARD.

SIMBEN.

     Simben 29.     Your Simben 13, my 28.2 Written reply received from Admiralty to-day stating “reliance cannot be placed on obtaining information of enemy escape from the North Sea”. Admiralty letter further states they are in favor of United States proposal to use pre-dreadnought battleships for troop and cargo escort duty provided battleship escorts have sufficient endurance to make the double journey without having to refuel, as latter would necessitate employment of additional destroyers for screening.     23519.

SIMS.

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

Footnote 1: Sims’ chief of staff Capt. Nathan C. Twining.