Naval History and Heritage Command

Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters, to First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Rosslyn Wemyss

March 10th, 1918.  

My dear Admiral,

     As you of course know, the question of aggressive action against the submarine bases in the Adriatic is on the agenda. My recent advices from America indicate that our Navy Department is very earnestly in favor of some aggressive action of this kind particularly for the effect it will have on morale.

     Of course it would be no use bringing this up before the Allied Naval [C]ouncil unless both Britain and America at least were agreed that some such action should be taken.

     Would it not therefore be best that this question be discussed tomorrow with the First Lord,1 before the meeting of the Inter-Allied Naval Council?

     There is also the mixed question of the employment of the Brazilian ships when they arrive on this side. That question is of course, not urgent at the present time, but if it is to go before the Council, I think we should be in agreement beforehand.2

     As touching these two subjects, I enclose herewith a memorandum which I have prepared,3 which more clearly defines the object of the aggressive action in the Adriatic, mentioned above.

Very sincerely yours,             

/s/ W.S.Sims