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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

               <Cablegram>

31 July 1918

VICE ADMIRAL SIMS.

     Communication from French Admiral Grout1 indicates French expect to take charge HB2 dash OV3 convoys and have three US Cruisers report to them to complete number needed period. Admiralty memo extension convoy system dated eighth July paragraph D dash three4 indicates same thing period Since this service affects US cargo ships mostly Department desires to assume responsibility for maintenance of this service and have such French cruisers as may be available assigned to assist US maintain this service as is done at present period Understand there are at present six French cruisers available instead of nine period Early reply desired.

                    Opnav

Source Note: CCy, DNA, RG45, Entry 517B. The document identifier “Op-47 H” appears in the upper-left corner of the first page.

Footnote 1: RAdm. Marie-Gaston Grout, French Navy. RAdm. Grout commanded French cruisers of the Naval Division of the Atlantic operating with Cruiser Force.

Footnote 2: HB refers to homeward convoys to the Bay of Biscay.

Footnote 3: OV convoys were either store or troop ship convoys returning to the United States and South America from Verdon (Gironde River).

Footnote 4: Document not found.

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