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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 Albert P. Niblack, Commander, United States Patrol Squadron Based at Gibraltar

Subject Copy.                               File No. <25/9/5>

              Cablegram Sent      June 25, 1918. TCH

To        Senafloat, Gibraltar.              Serial No. 1209

Prep. by  O-1                NCT.1 D.R.

                                      31 ADR

SECRET.

1209. French Atlantic ports are becoming congested and Army authorities find it necessary to use French Mediterranean ports in order to handle supplies. I have requested Navy Department to select vessels for Mediterranean preferably of good speed, well armed and not exceeding 7500 tons dead weight.

     It will be noted my recommendations were not followed in case of first vessels dispatched, all of which vessels are very valuable and should be protected as well as possible with facilities at your disposal. I propose in near future to add a number of destroyers to your force with primary purpose of assisting in protecting vessels carrying stores for Army to French Mediterranean ports.2 Any other use can be made of these destroyers provided it does not conflict with primary purpose of protecting line of communications from Gibraltar area to French Mediterranean ports and return. 23325.

1209. Sims.             

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

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

Footnote 2: On the destroyers added to the Gibraltar command, see: Sims to Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, 29 June 1918.