Skip to main content
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 Forces

Chronological Copy.                File No. <4-5-2>

Cablegram Received  July <1, 1918> 06403     RLM1

Origin Opnav Washington                 Ser. No. 7978

M-1 3 July

29 ARD.             CONFIDENTIAL

Simsadus. 7978. All Liberty engines available for use of Navy are being sent overseas for seaplane use and for Caproni and Tellier installation.2 The only engines retained in United States are for factory use and training purposes. It is suggested that any engines in excess Navy’s need in France or England be released to the Army at your discretion. In this respect attention is invited to present shortage Liberty engine spare parts and the necessity for replacing crankshaft most Navy engines now abroad. If Navy engines are released to Army a supply pistons to convert engines to high compression type will be necessary 19001 7978

Benson        

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Handwritten date is reinforced by time and date stamp.

Footnote 1: Initials of the transcriber.

Footnote 2: The Caproni Ca.42 Italian heavy bomber and the French Tellier T3 flying boat were outfitted with American built aviation engines, known as Liberty Engines.