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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 in European Waters

 

RECEIVED:     June 14, 1917.     TO:  Amembassy, London.

4990— June 13, 4p.m.

 

Deliver the following from Benson to Sims:

“Number 15.   Condition of manufacturing in United States makes 30 knots the limit of speed for destroyers if delivered at once. Submit at the earliest possible moment your recommendations as to general outline of type for construction at once, bearing in mind present needs as well as future contingencies.1

LANSING.2

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG45, Entry 517B.

Footnote 1: Sims responded on 15 June with an extensive report on the destroyer force in European waters. See: Sims to Josephus Daniels, 15 June 1917.

Footnote 2: Secretary of State Robert Lansing.

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