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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 Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

          CABLEGRAM SENT June 29, 1918.

JCM           

To   Opnav Washington.                 Serial No. 307.

Prep. by     AC                   SX

                             31 ADR

S E C R E T

307 From a review of enemy press and public statements in Allied countries, it is observed that the enemy Navy is being constantly goaded with their failure to prevent transport of U. S. troops particularly in U. S. troopships. The French Intelligence Service quotes a German officer to the effect that enemy has plans for a more methodical submarine operations against our troop movements using flotillas of six or eight submarines, the campaign to be started in June.1 It seems reasonable therefore that we must be prepared for a more determined effort against troop movements to French Coast if for no other purpose than to satisfy enemy public opinion and for prestige of enemy Navy. The only new enemy submarine tactic suggested has been possible attempted co-ordination between submarines scouting well at sea and communicating their contacts by radio to submarine closer in shore. 307 12529

<Sims.>  

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

Footnote 1: No such “methodical” operations were undertaken by the German Navy.

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