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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

CABLE DISPATCH.

(Second translation after receipt of corrections)

RECEIVED: June 10th, 1917    TO: Naval Attache

 

Six. By June 30th, or shortly after, the U.S. Navy will deliver for our account to replenish Admiralty oil consumed by U.S. men-of-war, approximately 9,200 tons also expect 30,000 tons will be sent forward by end of July.  Later advice is desired subsequent monthly shipments needed.  Also plan has been developed by Petroleum Committee, Council National Defense, detail of which we understand has been presented Admiralty by local British authorities, toward providing greatest possible assistance as to the matter supplying oil for British Navy, gasoline for British Army in France, and gasoline and kerosene for industrial consumption.  Every effort being made by Committee to arrange for approximately 72,000 tons fuel oil lifted immediately.  Gasoline for the British armies in France 18,000 tons June. 6,000 tons August. and 18,000 tons per month thereafter and for industrial consumption gasoline and kerosene 8,000 tanker capacity per month delivered to various ports in England.  Two U.S. Navy tankers definitely assigned for services will sail in the near future, and in addition four commercial tankers, two for fuel oil and two for gasoline, ready within a few days also seven commercial tankers will sail by June and cargoes being arranged for four tankers sailing July with schedule departure to meet subsequent need.              of completion earliest possible date.1  This telegram is for Vice Admiral Sims number six.

DANIELS.

Secretary of the Navy.

Source Note: Cy, DNA RG 45, Entry 517. Below signature on the left side of the page: “Copies: Original (T) Mr.Tobey)/Chronological./ Subject.”

Footnote 1: See: Sims to Daniels, 8 June 1917, where he recommends that the United States “relieve the general fuel oil situation in Europe” and that the U.S. Navy replace any British oil that it used. Also, as seen in Grady to Benson, 6 June 1917, there was a critical shortage of fuel oil and gasoline in England.

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