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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Admiral William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations, to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

Chronological Copy Information Copy

File No. <11-4-14>

Cablegram Received 08305 March <4,> 1918

Origin        OPNAV WASHINGTON             Ser. No. 3486

     C-1 Mar 4

24 ADR

VERY SECRET

SIMSADUS

3486. It is suggested changing hour that troop convoys make landfall on French coast from daylight to such hour as will enable convoy to arrive entrance port of disembarkation about noon. Following reasons given,

     First. Convoys often set ahead by current and compelled to slow just before making landfall.

     Second. If stars not visible no opportunity to get sun for position.

     Third. To afford mine-sweepers better opportunity to clear channel of mines laid on previous night.

     Fourth. Making landfall at daylight on moonlight nights particularly dangerous as submarines locate them on light circles of powerful light.

     Fifth. To give aircraft from shore stations opportunity to inspect water through which convoys must pass.

     Sixth. Submarines are now probably aware of practice of arriving at daylight and will await convoys that hour.

     Your opinion desired.1 16004.

BENSON                 

(Typed by C-2. Treated as “Highly Secret” insofar as Communication files are concerned)

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

Footnote 1: Sims’ response has not been found.

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