Skip to main content
Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

British Foreign Office to British Ambassador to the United States Sir Cecil Spring Rice

MILITARY.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Cypher telegram to Sir C. Spring Rice (Washington),

     Foreign office, July 14th. 1917. 2.35.p.m.

No.2740.  (D).

______

    The following communication has just been received from United States Ambassador here:-1

    Begin. The following telegram has been received from the Secretary of State in Washington:2

    “July 11th. Urgent.

    With reference to you telegram of June 22nd.

    Establishment of a Naval and Military Mission in Washington would be welcomed as an addition to the personnel already here by the Secretaries of War and Navy.3 The latter suggests that the Navy Department would profit by a close contact with the Admiralty’s point of view, and that therefore, the Naval Officers attached to this Mission should be in personal co-operation with the Admiralty”. Ends.

    You will notice that while stress is laid on Naval Mission little is said as to Military. Could you make discreet enquiries and ascertain whether Military Mission would be really welcome, as we have no wish to send over officers uselessly?

_______

Source Note: Cy, UK-KeNA, Adm. 13/1436.

Footnote 1: United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom Walter Hines Page.

Footnote 2: Secretary of State Robert Lansing.

Footnote 3: Secretary of War Newton D. Baker and Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels.