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Naval History and Heritage Command

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

CABLEGRAM RECEIVED

Opnav, Washington.                Dec-27-1917.

19D

Simsadus.

1809. Following cable dated 24th Dec. From Chief of Naval Staff Admiralty1 to Chief Naval Operations received quote Request to be informed whether you contemplate detailing United States destroyer to act as escort for United States mine planter while latter are laying mines in North Sea barrage Unquote please inform Admiralty that since all our destroyers as fast as it is it is practicable to send them are dispatched abroad and attached to your force, if it becomes necessary to protect United States Mine planters with destroyers while they are laying mines in the North Sea beyond the degree of protection the Admiralty can itself furnish them it will be necessary to use part of your force for this purpose as may be necessary 17026.

              Benson.

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Identifying marks “24-4-1” and “1/2/A/J/K/X” appear at the top of the page.

Footnote 1: First Sea Lord Adm. Sir John R. Jellicoe.

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