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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 Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels

 

CABLE DISPATCH.

 

SENT:     June 22, 1917.               TO: Secretary Navy.

THROUGH:      Admiralty.

 

     846.      For Secretary Navy, Washington.

     The British Admiralty has now adopted the convoy system and will put it into full effect as fast as heavy ships can be obtained for high sea convoy against Raiders and Destroyers for escort duty in submarine zones (stop) AS previously reported convoys are in successful operation from Mediterranean and Hampton Roads (stop)1 Plans are in hand for total of eight convoys a week as follows: two from Gibraltar, two from Hampton Roads, two or three from New York, one from Canada, the latter preferably being combined with New York convoys (stop) One a week from New York will be put into operation as soon as possible with British cruisers in absence of our support (stop) I again urgently advise our full support assisting and cooperating in assembly of convoys, and furnishing one Cruiser or reserve Battleship a week for high sea escort (stop) Reserve Battleships are admirably suited for this duty which will not interfere with personnel training for which I understand they are now being used (stop) I again submit the necessity for increase of anti-submarine forces based on Queenstown in order to insure safe passage of convoys and shipping through this area. This is best area in which all our Naval co-operation can be concentrated (stop) It is through this area which the vast majority of mercantile shipping from United States must continue to pass throughout war (stop) All seagoing protection on our own coast line is futile as long as enemy does not attacking shipping from our ports in that area (stop) Enemy area of attack must remain in East Atlantic waters to be successful (stop) All material assistance from U.S. will be dependent upon safe passage of shipping through war zone (stop)

SIMS         

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

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