Skip to main content
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 Commander Charles R. Train, United States Naval Attaché in Rome

August 29th, 1918.

My dear Train,

          Referring to your letter of August 20th.1 I am very glad indeed to know that the visit of the Naval Committee to Rome was a successful one.2 As you say, there is always a disposition to get out of Rome as soon as possible, and I am glad you induced these gentlemen to stay a reasonable time.

          With regard to your being my representative in Rome, you know that I advocated this before, and it was turned down for the reason, (or for the excuse) that the Italians might be offended if a Rear Admiral was not sent there. However, now that you assure me that Admiral Cusani3 has stated that this would be agreeable to the Italian Admiralty and that Admiral di Revel4 is probably in agreement, I think we may be able to put it over.5

          I will see Admiral di Revel when he comes here, and if he agrees I will put it up again to Admiral Benson and state that there is now no longer any ground for the objections he put up.

Very sincerely yours.        

S/ W.S.Sims/            

Source Note: Cy, DLC-MSS, William S. Sims Papers, Box 24. Addressed below close: “Commander H R Train, U S N/U S Naval Attache,/American Embassy,/R o m e.” Note at top of page: “ADMIRAL SIMS PERSONAL FILE.” Document identifier in columnar fashion: “1/5/6/J/Q.”

Footnote 1: Train’s letter has not been found.

Footnote 2: This was members of the Naval Affairs Committee of the U. S. House of Representatives.

Footnote 3: VAdm. Marchese Lorenzo Cusani Visconti, Assistant Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy and Commander-in-Chief of Italian naval forces in the Lower Adriatic.

Footnote 4: Adm. Paolo Thaon di Revel, Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy.

Footnote 5: It does not appear that Train received the appointment.