Skip to main content
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

Chronological Copy.                     File No. <27-4-4>

Cablegram Sent July 24, 1918  AHT1

To Opnav Washington.          Serial No 1649

Prep CS        NCT2 D.R.

31 ADR             

CONFIDENTIAL.

1649 It is recommended that the Department make public the fact that the United States is participating in the mine laying operations on the Northern Barrage. Inquiry addressed to the Naval Attache, Christiania3 as to public opinion with respect to this mine laying has been answered as follows:

          First: Mining operations regarded as legitimate act of war and were not commented on by press.

          Second: Desirable to give all possible prominence to any American war activities as American motives are not mistrusted and respect for the country would be increased by greater knowledge of its activities in the war.

          Admiralty concurs as to desirability of public announcement of United States participation.4 05124.     1049.

SIMS               

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

Footnote 1: Initials of the transcriber.

Footnote 2: Sims’ Chief of Staff, Capt. Nathan C. Twining.

Footnote 3: Lt. Col. James C. Breckinridge, U.S. Marine Corps, Naval Attaché at Stockholm. See: Breckinridge to Sims, 20 July 1918.

Footnote 4: Adm. William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations concurred with Sims assessment and coordinated on a press release that complied with the Admiralty. Benson to Sims, 27 July 1918, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B.

Related Content