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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 Captain Joel R. Poinsett Pringle, Chief of Staff, Destroyer Flotillas

Subject Copy.                                File No. <4/1/59>

Cablegram Sent May 19, 1918. SFM

To  Melvus, Queenstown.                      Serial No 1732

Prep. by    CS             NCT     D.R.

31 ADR             

1732. Concerning civil and political situation in Ireland,1 Department directs that while our forces should defend themselves against actual attack, they should not take part in anything which could be construed as assisting in the execution of conscription law in Ireland.2 The Department directs that every possible precaution be taken to prevent any conditions arising which would necessitate our forces taking any action contrary to this policy.

     Communi<c>ate the substance of this message to the commanding officers of our U.S.Naval shore stations in Ireland as supplementary to the instructionsalready issued regarding the protection to be given to our stations. 1752 <16219>.

Sims.

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

Footnote 1: On the situation in Ireland at this time, see: Pringle to Sims, 27 April 1918, and Lewis Bayly to Oswyn A. R. Murray, 28 April 1918.

Footnote 2: The British decided not to use conscription in Ireland; see: Pringle to Sims, 27 April 1918.

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