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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 Admiral William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations

Chronological Copy

Cablegram Sent Dec 26, 1917. TCM

To Opnav, Washington.             Serial No. 2436

Prep. by MO1                D.R.

18 ADR       

2436. Wilson2 reports: quote Twelve three-inch fifty calibre guns removed from sterns of trawlers to permit installation mine sweeping apparatus and from U. S. CAROLA FOURTH are available Brest for issue. French authorities request to use them in arming sailing vessels unquote. As requisitioned vessels in service of Army carrying coal British to French ports are without guns it is desired to use twelve referred to to arm them as requested by army authorities London. Instructions requested.

Sims         

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

Footnote 1: “MO” stands for Materials Office, one of the departments in Sims’ headquarters, headed by Paymaster Eugene C. Tobey.

Footnote 2: RAdm. Henry B. Wilson, Commander, Patrol Squadrons Based in France.

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