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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

 

RECEIVED  22 June 1917.                TO:- Alusna, London1

 

     For Vice-Admiral Sims. No. 22.

 

          The Bureau of Ordnance is now in a position to manufacture latest type of Admiralty mine2 or a superior type at the rate of four thousand per week beginning sixty days from now. It is the opinion of the Admiralty that possible future departments make it desirable that we construct a surplus supply for possible use in European waters, if so, how many do they suggest we ought to manufacture? Would the Admiralty like to have us manufacture nets for use over there? If so, send details at once. Has a mine not effective against surface craft but effective against submarines ever been under construction? Are there any plans of future contemplated operations that we could be supplied with?3    16022.

          DANIELS,

              Sec. Navy

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

Footnote 1: “Alusna” stands for American Legation, United States Naval Attaché. The Naval Attaché at London was Capt. William D. MacDougall.

Footnote 2: These new mines were the MK 6 mines. The Mk 6 mine was a 34 in (86 cm) diameter steel sphere containing a buoyancy chamber and 300 lbs of TNT.

Footnote 3: Sims sent a reply to this cable on 7 July 1917, providing answers to most of the questions Daniels posed here. See: Sims to Daniels, 7 July 1917.

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