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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 Rear Admiral Henry B. Wilson, Commander, United States Patrol Forces based in France

Cablegram Sent 25 December 1917    ROC

To Ampat, Brest.         Serial No. 509

Prep. by BAL        NCT1     D.R.

19 AIM

VERY SECRET.

509. Your 556.2    Please explain to Army authorities it is not desirable to divide troop convoys but to take all the same destination so as to have full protection for convoy throughout passage. This practice will be adhered to in the future unless draft of ships make it impracticable. Your cable contemplates 3 transports proceeding ultimately to Bordeaux. I consider it unwise to risk troops. Troops should have safest harbors only. On account of direct routes landfalls and channels is it not desirable to restrict all troop movements to Brest and St. Nazaire using all ports for storeships. Troops that have reached Quiberon should discharge St. Nazaire regardless of delays involved as it is unwise to subject troops to additional passage. 15425

Sims.              

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Document is: “Subject Copy.

Footnote 1: Cmdr. Byron A. Long, a member of Sims' staff in the Operations Section, and Capt. Nathan C. Twining, Sims’ Chief of Staff.

Footnote 2: Document has not been found.

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