Skip to main content
Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Office of the Chief of Naval Operations to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

CABLEGRAM RECEIVED  December [3, 1917] 97104

Origin Opnav, Washington (Secnav)  Ser. No. 1417

Ref’d to  Date      Action, Notes and Initials

G6        4 DEC     Retransmitted J 640 EMcC

Q1        4 DEC

     19   D    VERY SECRET

Simsadus

     1417.     Forward to Benson.1 Following extract from a cable received from our ambassador Brazil2 quote Brazil is to send to Southern European waters a squadron of four destroyers and two scouts to co-operate with the fleet of one of the Allies. It is recommended that this division be invited to join the American squadron, if we have one patrolling the Mediterranean Sea or lane between Azores Islands and Gibraltar unquote. In % <accordance> with the above we have therefore today through state department extended to Brazilian Government an invitation for their patrol detachment to co-operate with our forces in European waters. Their employment should be along the lines indicated in Ambassador’s cable. 18003.

Opnav.

Benson

% Word omitted in code.

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

Footnote 1: Adm. William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations.

Footnote 2: United States Ambassador to Brazil Edwin V. Morgan.