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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 the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

 

Subject Copy.                                File No. <46/4/1>

Cablegram Sent 8 March <9, 1918.> EWC

To   Opnav Washington                   Serial No. 4876

Prep. by Foley – Thomas.           C of S1  D.R.

          24 ADR

4876. Have been in frequent consultation with Foley and Thomas. Have seen and approve<d> their telegram 4845 addressed to Hurley.2 I have been asked by British Admiralty to concur with view of British Naval Staff that, following basis of calculating stocks, reserves and losses of fuel oil are the lowest possible that can be accepted from a military point of view ---

     One – Reserve to consist of three months’ estimated consumption plus 90,000 tons for increased fleet mobility plus 225,000 tons representing a quantity regarded as non-transferable from storage points in U.K. to Naval Bases.

     Two –-Losses in oil calculated at 30,000 tons monthly.

     Three – Sinkings of tank steamers calculated at 25,000 tons of cargo capacity monthly.

This seems to be reasonable and I concur. <00309.> 4876.

Sims.         

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

Footnote 1: Cmdr. Paul Foley and L. I. Thomas, were both in Europe serving as liasons with the Shipping Board and helping handle concerns related to overseas transport. “C of S” was Capt. Nathan C. Twining, Sims’ chief of staff.

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