Naval History and Heritage Command

Raymond B. Stevens, Vice Chairman, United States Shipping Board, and United States Representative to the Allied Maritime Transport Council, to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

Chronological Copy.                   File No.

Cablegram Sent  March <8>, 1918 MJK

To   Opnav Washington.                 Serial No. 4839

Prep. by  C-3                Gre

              25 D.

4839. Urgent. Shipmission 18 March 7th 11 p.m.1 Scantiness of information on import requirements extremely embarrassing. We appreciate delicacy of situation until hearings are held but need of full data is most urgent. Can you not at least estimate minimum deadweight tonnage required in 1918 for aggregate imports and for imports from each principal geographical division? Your cable gives no clue to tonnage requirements. First council meeting next Monday has as chief object determination of import needs and tonnage deficit for Allies as a group. England, France and Italy are submitting elaborate and laborious estimates. If we cannot submit significant estimates we shall not only fail to cooperate but shall virtually defeat purpose of meeting. Hope you will recognize nature of situation to be met and send fullest information possible. Data should reach us Saturday morning if at all practicable. Shall shortly cable concerning other matters. Stevens. 02308

SIMS.