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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

Information Copy                       Mercantile Shipping

Cablegram received  February <12, 1918.> 03413.

Origin    Opnav Washington                  Ser No 2905

Ref’d to

Q-11     Reply sent 4/3/18   BAL2

VERY SECRET

Simsadus.

2905.     Your 2281.3 In order to increase cargo capacity army ships about fifteen per cent. Pooling Committee states that they have made arrangements with British authorities through Mr. Guthrie.4 It is understood to coal ships carrying army cargoes to French Atlantic ports, in Bristol Channel England. As this practice would be contrary to procedure outlined your cable paragraph A,5 will you investigate and report opinion of Admiralty and Shipping Ministry as to desirability of such departure from policy outline in previous cable. 16012.

Benson.            

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Document identifying number in columnar fashion: “1/3/C/J.”

Footnote 1: Admiralty.

Footnote 2: Cmdr. Byron A. Long.

Footnote 4: Capt. Connop Guthrie, R.N., British Ministry of Shipping representative in New York.

Footnote 5: Paragraph A states: “Owing to the shortage of coal and labor in France recommend all vessels bound for French Atlantic ports bunker for round trip.” See: Sims to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, 20 December 1918.

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