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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

CABLEGRAM RECEIVED  10112     March <11,>1918

Origin OPNAV WASHINGTON                    Serial No. 3734

Ref’d to

Date

CS1

12 Mar:

          34 ADR

HIGHLY SECRET

SIMSADUS

3734.     Your 4892 3964 and 3561 Memorandum 9 Planning Section.2 Before Department takes any action in the matter it desires to know has this plan been presented to the Inter-Allied War Council and to British War Council for expression of opinion. The logistic demands now to supply the needs on the Western Front are so great that no eccentric move regardless how attractive its local aspect may be contemplated without full discussion by all parties concerned. Shipping is now working to its full capacity. In addition to troops under Pershing3 the Army is obliged in the next few months to supply six divisions to the British Force on the Western Front. As the plan contemplates a landing force of 20,000 additional men plus a division of our old battleships the various War Councils concerned must be consulted and a joint opinion given as to the desirability and practicability of such an assignment and location of fighting force as contemplated in the suggested plan. The Department must not be committed to any plan until full details are submitted and our decision rendered. 22011

BENSON,

(Decoded by C-S and O-5. Typed by C-2)

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

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

Footnote 3: Maj. Gen. John J. Pershing, Commander, American Expeditionary Forces.

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