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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 the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

Chronological Copy.                                   File No.

Cablegram Sent Feb. 16, 1918  MJK

To   Opnav, Washington                       Ser. No. 4048

Prep. by  CS                  D.R.          [27 ADR?]

VERY SECRET.

4048. My 3610.1    This matter discussed with Admiralty officials fifteenth instant who inform me that in all cases naval prisoners are first examined by Admiralty officials and then turned over to custody of Army. Army Council has rendered decision that prisoners taken by FANNING are British prisoners.2 Admiralty officials concerned do not concur in this decision and do not regard it as sound or wise. It is in no sense a final decision and the matter will be taken up by the law officials of the Government for decision.

SIMS.         

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

Footnote 1: Document referred to has not been found.

Footnote 2: The U.S. destroyer FANNING captured the crew of U-58 in November 1917. See: Arthur S. Carpender to Sims, 18 November 1917.