Naval History and Heritage Command

Commander William R. Sayles, United States Naval Attaché at Paris, to Rear Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Destroyers Operating from British Bases

AMERICAN EMBASSY

5 Rue de Chaillot.           

Paris                        

May 23, 1917.

25-13-5B

My dear Admiral:

          I am enclosing copies of all telegrams sent which contain information useful to you.

          From them you can see that things are not moving so smoothly as desired. The Department will not send any information as to the character and details of the forces to be sent to France Had another long interview on the subject with Admiral de Bon yesterday.1 He explained that he was “all in a fog” as to what preparations to make in advance to receive them. I had to admit I was too, that the Department would not answer my cables.2

          Morton will deliver this letter and is in touch with the situation; he can explain to you all about the detachment of Captains Evans and Baker.3

          Lunched with Bunau-Varilla, owner of “Le Matib” today.4 He stated that to send Captain Baker away from Paris would be a tremendous mistake, on account of his intimate knowledge of French political leaders and higher Government officials;- needless to say I agree. As a simple military proposition, all details in Europe should be made by the Commander-in-Chief on the spot.

     I returned from Dunkerque Monday. Saturday night four French destroyers were engaged by Germans.5 The action at 1:00 a.m., dark night, lasted only four minutes. The Germans jumped the French, damaged boiler-rooms in two boats, decreasing their speed to 18 knots. Casualties: French, 2 officers killed, 2 wounded; 12 men killed, 5 wounded. Damage to Germans unknown. This leaves the French with but two destroyers at Dunkerque.

     I received complete information about all the conditions up there and have formed my own opinion as to what we should do, if we can ever get the Navy Department moving. Admiral Exelmans received his orders, while I was there, to go to Brest as Major-General.6 They could not have made a better selection, from our point of view. He speaks English perfectly and is considered one of the most efficient men they have; moreover, his temperament is such that he will fit in with our people perfectly.

     I have told Admiral de Bon that you will probably be here for the arrival of our Forces; hope I won’t have to disappoint him. Your presence here is absolutely necessary, for they are commencing to get uneasy again at the Rue Royale.7

     With all greates respect and esteem.

               Sincerely yours,

                              W.R. Sayles