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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 the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

June 13, 1918                

TOH1              

SX             9473               

35 ARD                  

Opnav, Washington.

O-1

CONFIDENTIAL

9473.     Referring Opnav letter S-18-862 of 17 May 19182 re special routing for vessels to Azores and Gibraltar attention is invited to the fact that approach routes to Gibrlatar are now in force. It is recommended that routes given in Opnav letter be modified so that U.S. vessels will follow routes in force in approaching Gibraltar. By following routes in force some protection may be given to shipping and danger of collision is minimised. Route giving officers in American ports have information as to routes in force. 08313 9473

Sims.         

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Document: “Operation orders of Force Movements,etc. Secret Routes for Vessels.” Document reference: “C/J/O/I/1/3/4/5.”

Footnote 1: Initials of the transcriber.

Footnote 2: The referred to letter have not been found, but for a similar description of the convoying plan to the Azores and Gibraltar, see: Benson to Sims, 15 May 1918.