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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

George Rublee, Presidential Adviser, to James A. Salter, British Director of Ship Requisitioning

 

Chronological Copy.                          File No. <42/2/4>

Cablegram Received June <20, 1918.> 14021 RLM.

Origin Opnav, Washington                     Ser. No. BN 177

     C-3

29 ADR.

Simsadus.

Boards Navy 177. For Stevens from Rublee. For Salter.1 Referring to your letter of 30 May2 exchange of refrigerating tonnage am afraid that Fleet Corporation are now including 12 vessel transforming them in course of construction from freight to refrigerator ships. Two of 12 now completed, 8 to be completed before November and final two in January February 1919. Of these vessels three are of 7300 tons dead weight totaling 21,900 while 9 are 6200 tons dead weight totaling 55,800 making grand total 77,700 tons. Estimated these capable lifting roughly 20,000 tons meat monthly. Assume these are vessels mentioned your letter but consider fact that they are not prompt but building wonder whether you desire me follow your suggestion further. Kindly advise through Stevens. 19020. BN 177

Benson.            

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. A note after the signature reads: “N.B. ‘Prompt’ comes clear. May have been error in coding. C-21”. The handwritten date is confirmed by the time/date stamp at the end of the cable.

Footnote 1: Rublee sent this message via the office of Adm. William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations, through the office of VAdm. William S. Sims. Sims’ staff passed it on to Raymond B. Stevens, Vice-Chairman, United States Shipping Board and United States Representative, Allied Maritime Transport Council, to deliver to Salter.

Footnote 2: The letter referred to has not been found.

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