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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

Subject Copy                            File No. 28-1-1

CABLEGRAM SENT 13 June 1918   BLM

To   Opnav Washington.        Serial No.     9472

Prep. by F-1             NCT1

               31 ARD

CONFIDENTIAL

9472.     British and American Plans Divisions jointly recommended that the third system of mines in Area “A” consist of three rows of mines laid next to surface in order to make the surface barrage dense at the expense of the deep barrage as submarines passing through Area “A” will have no incentive to dive. I approve this recommendation. If department approves recommendation, request to be informed if mine gear can be altered in United States to meet the revised plan.2 08213. 9472.

Sims.

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Document reference: “1/2/A/J.”

Footnote 1: Capt. Nathan C. Twining, Sims’ chief of staff.

Footnote 2: For a map of the different areas of the North Sea Mine Barrage, see: Maps in April 1918.