Naval History and Heritage Command

First Sea Lord Admiral Sir John R. Jellico, R.N., to Commodore Guy R. Gaunt, R.N., British Naval Attaché in Washington, D.C.

TROOP IN MERCANTILE CONVOYS FROM HALIFAX

TELEGRAM

To. Commodore Gaunt 620.                     Date 17.12.17.

C. in C. N.A. & W.I.1 290                   Sent 2240

          Cypher K.

     For Chief of Naval Operations.2

     We are anxious to provide more effective protection for troop convoys from Halifax against possible enemy surface vessels of <or> raiders of Light Cruiser type.

     We propose utilize KING ALFRED for this purpose and possibly LEVIATHAN3 but this will exhaust our resources and I venture to suggest that as American troops are concerned U. S. Naval Authorities may be disposed to detail four pre-dreadnought Battleships for this duty.4

     Estimate such vessels can do journey to destroyer rendezvous and back without coaling round journey occupying about fortnight at sea.

     Address to Commodore Gaunt repeated to C. in C. North American & West Indies.5 2265

1st. S.L.