Naval History and Heritage Command

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

Subject Copy.

Cablegram Received 25519  MJK

<18 December 1917>

Origin    Opnav, Washington (Bunav)    Serial No. 1675

18 D.

Simsadus.

1675. Your 22061 - Bureau does not question merit of assigning experienced destroyer engineers only to new destroyers but personnel situation does not permit deviation from fixed policy regarding engineer officers for 330 new destroyers. Engineer officers being ordered approximately six months in advance and given special training. These engineer officers are Lieutenants of regular permanent establishments. Bureau will later request services of experienced destroyers engineer officers to assist in training. 17158

              Benson.