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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

     CABLEGRAM RECEIVED       June <1, 1918.> 21601    RES

Origin Opnav, Washington               Serial No.  6738

Ref’d to

Date

ACTION, NOTES and INITIALS.

O-1

2 June

 

     40 ADR

CONFIDENTIAL

       Simsadus.

6738. Our 5394.1 After consultation with Captain Mulleneaux|2| Department approves Admiralty’s plan of routing in principle as follows:

     East-bound ships to follow lanes as far as Longitude 47 degrees, 1 lane for Halifax, 1 for New York and 1 for Hampton Roads, Virginia. New York and Hampton Roads lanes to be regarded as available for Eastward Ships from either port thus giving in effect a Northern and a Southern Route. Lanes 60 miles wide allow for slight difference between successive convoy tracks. All other waters to be available for Westbound ships, Eastbound lanes to be crossed only during daylight.

     Lanes approaching routes to be used for each principal port with Code similar to system in use abroad. Details will be cabled shortly. Cancel Department’s plan forwarded by cable and mail. Inform Admiralty. 11001. 6738

Benson.                     

Note: Reference 5394 incorrect. “L” comes garbled.

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

Footnote 2: Cmdr. Hugh B. Mulleneux. A British officer, the Admiralty sent Mulleneux to Washington at Sims’ request to serve as a member of the Convoys Section of the Navy Department.

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