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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Edward N. Hurley, Chairman, Shipping Board, to Commander Paul Foley and L. I. Thomas

Chronological Copy.                          File No. <42-2-4>

Cablegram Received    May <11, 1918> 09412   RLM

Origin Opnav, Washington.                    Ser. No. 5966

       C-3     12 May

       33 ADR.

Simsadus.

5966. Hurleys number 5 for Foley and Thomas from ship Control committee. Referring to our 4<,>1 Italian Mission is pressing for allocation of tank ton<n>age for army industrial fuel oil. Considering adequate stock Navy oil reported end of March our view Italian tankers when necessary should be diverted to Northern Italy and cargo used for Army industries. However in view of recent reports from Italian tank ships additional tonnage for Navy and Army industrials requirement may be needed depending upon proportion to be supplied from East regarding which we desire information. Suggest that you endeavor through inter-allied conference remedy any lack of co-ordination that may exist between different Italian departments in order that stock of 1 may be used by another. Also suggest for consideration whether organization of Soci<e>ta2 could not be made better use of by Italian government to arrange for discharge ports in advance of arrival according to tonnage available in which case Societa to be promptly advised of sail from this side also that Societa collaborate in tabulating monthly reports of stock. Lubricating oil if convenient governmental control should be extended to this connodi<t>y In all three countries and periodical reports of stock furnished simultaneously distinguishing need of northern from those of southern France observing that it is frequently necessary make bulk shipments part south France part Italy in one vessel. 20011 5966

Benson                       

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

Footnote 2: Società di Navigazione Industria e Commercio, the Italian equivalent of the United States Shipping Board.

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