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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. <7/4/8>

Cablegram Sent May 23, 1918.  TOH

To Opnav Washington.               Serial No. 8390

Prep. by AC         SX   D.R.

Clear              

8390.     On 17 and 18 May two cables from New York to French Press gave categorical statements from New York Times as to number of submarines lost in April and other specific statements concerning submarine campaign.1 Both cables violate British and French censorship policy and were stopped by French censor who points out his embarrassing position when New York papers themselves arrive in France.

French Ministry Marine and British Admiralty censor inquire whether arrangements cannot be made to coordinate censorship policy and if such statements cannot be suppressed to at least exchange information as to dates of release and character of statements. Could leading papers be appealed to not to give out specific statements concerning naval campaign without Departments consent and confirmation. 22423 8390.

Sims     

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

Footnote 1: The New York Times published “Other Submarine Activities of the Month,” with detailed information on submarine lossess during the month of April 1918. See, The New York Times Current History: The European War, Vol. 16 (New York: New York Times Company, 1918), 40.

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