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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 Rear Admiral Herbert O. Dunn, Commander, Azores Detachment

Subject Copy.

Cablegram Sent 7 June 1918    RES

To Senafloat Ponta Delgada                   Serial No. 802

Prep. by CS                   NCT1     D.R.

31 ARD        

CONFIDENTIAL

802. My 755.2 Department has cabled in substance as follows: “Four O-boats might replace 4-K’s3 before lapse of three months but before deciding Department desires further particulars as to condition of boats, whether their condition is different from condition when they left United States, and wherein they have proved unsuccessful for operating.

     I have replied stating that I consider boats in as good condition now as when they left United States, but owing to constant necessity for repairs with limited facilities at Azores I recommended new boats be sent.4 Also informed Department your written reports did not indicate serious inability on the part of the boats to operate against enemy. 22207. 802.

Sims.    

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

Footnote 1: Capt. Nathan C. Twining, Sims’ Chief of Staff.

Footnote 2: Document referred to have not been found. But for more information on Sims’ reasons for deploying submarines for anti-Submarine warfare, See: Sims to Dunn, 18 May 1918; and Sims to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, 7 June 1918.

Footnote 3: The O-Boat and K-Boat were different classes of submarines.