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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Rear Admiral Henry B. Wilson, Commander, United States Patrol Squadrons Operating in European Waters, to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

May <16,> 1918.  TOH.

Confram Brest.                               2382

     O-1                    31 ADR.

Simsadus.

2382. Your 2256.1 Army unable to give destination until War Message received <but state> as evacuation capacity from any port is 3000 troops per day it will be necessary to split convoy.2 Owing to necessity of this force meeting other convoys about same day it is extremely doubtful if we can provide escort.3 16316  2382.

Wilson.            

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Document identifier in top right-hand corner: “Group 35/3/C.”

Footnote 1: This cable has not been found.

Footnote 2: Despite what is written here, the troop convoy that arrived in France on 18 May carrying 10,264 troops went to Brest alone. On the same day a convoy from New York with 9 ships also arrived in Brest. Wilson, American Navy in France: 50.