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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.     

Cablegram Sent Jan. 7 1918

To Opnav Washington.                  Serial No. 2751.

Prep. by A C1              

18D

VERY SECRET.

2751. Army beginning to use Bordeaux for store ships. This creates more urgent immediate demand for more destroyers. U.S.S. MAY and all yachts en route will be sent French Coast but such vessels too slow and unsuited for our convoy escorts. Every additional destroyer sent now being assigned French Coast. Army also requests use Bordeaux for troops but unable to comply until more destroyers are available. Need for destroyers in all areas as critical as in past. Can additional destroyers be furnished and if so request prospective dates of arrival. 04008.

Sims.        

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. The number at the end of the document is a stamp.

Footnote 1: This individual’s identity is unknown. It is possible these are the initials of one of the typists at Sims’ headquarters. There are more initials on the line, but these are completely obliterated.

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