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 the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

 

Subject Copy.

Cablegram Sent      22 December 1917.  ROC1

To   Opnav, Washington                  Serial No. 2363

Prep. by  Foley.              NCT2  D.R.

                                   18 D

VERY SECRET

2363. Your 16683 received 17420.4 With particular reference to proposed application of American sailing ships to temporarily relieve grain psoition [i.e., position] have consulted with Admiralty who are giving matter their careful consideration and will reply on 24th. Delay due mainly to desire to consult Jellico and Duff who are absent.5 There are many objections and we fear decision may be unfavorable but you can depend upon any measure of relief being seriously considered. 23222.

Sims.

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. The number just before the signature is a time stamp.

Footnote 1: “ROC” was presumably the initials of the person who encoded the message.

Footnote 2: Cmdr. Paul Foley and Capt. Nathan C. Twining.

Footnote 3: See, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations to Sims, 18 December 1917, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B.

Footnote 4: See: Sims to William S. Benson, 24 December 1917. Background information concerning this issue is to be found in the notes at that document.

Footnote 5: British First Sea Adm. Lord Sir John R. Jellicoe, R.N; Assistant Chief of Naval Staff RAdm. Alexander L. Duff, R.N.

Related Content