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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 Secretary of the British Admiralty Sir Oswyn A. R. Murray

COPY

S E C R E T .

June 11, 1918.

FROM: Force Commander.

TO  : Secretary of the Admiralty.

SUBJECT: Suggesting services of “Q” ship against submarine operating in American Waters.1

     1.   It is suggested that a “Q” ship might be profitably employed against the German cruiser submarine which is now operating on the Atlantic coast of the United States.

     2.   As no vessels of this type have been fitted out in the United States, it is recommended that if the Admiralty has one or more whose services can be spared from their present employment, that they be dispatched to the Atlantic coast of the United States.

     3.   Should the Admiralty not be able to adopt the suggestion contained in the preceding paragraph, it is suggested that by such means as may seem most expedient British experience in fitting out vessels of this type be place at the disposal of the United States Navy Department, with a view to fitting out one or more “Q” ships in America.

/S/ WM. S. SIMS.        

Source Note: TCy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 520, Box 342-344. Document reference: “CS 20432 43-4-2.”

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