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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

DISPATCH TO BE SENT

Date June 11, 1918,

To   Opnav

Prepared by    CS1           No. 9399

SECRET

     Subject to Department’s approval of the plan I have requested Admiralty to send one or more “Q” ships to operate against U-151,2 or if no ships are available to place at disposal of Navy Department British experience of fitting out vessels of this type, should the Department desire to undertake such work. I believe Admiralty would be willing to send an Officer to United States to give advice as to fitting out “Q” ships. Suggest arming one or more coasting schooners with a concealed four-inch gun as a temporary expedient.

SIMS.

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

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

Footnote 2: U-151 was on a two month hunt off the coast of the United States where it was experiencing incredible success against Allied shipping. See: Sims to Oswyn A.R. Murray, 11 June 1918; Benson to Sims, 12 June 1918.

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