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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

Subject Copy.                                File No. <461-4-1>  

Cablegram Sent      20 January 1918. ROC.

To Opnav Washington.               Serial No. 3116

Prep. by AD              NCT  D.R.

27 ADR             

VERY SECRET

3116. Your 1668.1 After a number of accidental misunderstandings between interested branc<h>es of British Government, it has finally been agreed in conference with Ministry of Shipping, Wheat Commission and Admiralty that eighty-six thousand tons wheat could be brought into western ports British Isles in sailing vessels and distributed without material loss.

          That this would be very acceptable to British Government provided wheat could be supplied without diminishing flow of wheat already arranged for by steamers during January and February.

          In case less than about eighty-six thousand additional tons available could balance sailing tonnage be used for essential military and other supplies awaiting shipment?

          About what date could vessels sail?

          It is desirable that if practicable all should sail within an interval of week or ten days.

          Details of routes, ports, etc. would be cabled later.2

          All features of plan should be kept secret as possible. 10520.

Sims.              

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

Footnote 1: Office of the Chief of Naval Operations to Sims, 18 December 1917, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B; also see: Sims to Benson, 24 December 1917.

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