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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Office of the Chief of Naval Operations to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

Subject Copy.

          Cablegram Received 14 November 1917

Origin    Opnav, Washington.                Serial No. 1123

Via       N C B D 17                        Date No. 14014

Copies to   COS, JVB.1                    File No.

Action referred to

          COS

Simsadus.

1123.     State Department has received following dispatch from American Charge d’Affaires at Madrid2 dated November 7th. quote: Two passengers dressed civilian costumes were landed with baggage at Conta on November 4th from American destroyer number five. Destroyer went to sea half hour later without awaiting sanitation visit and without visit to the authorities or any of its officers. This act is contrary to established international rules and practice and the attention of the Embassy of the United States is called to it by the Minister of State.3 Unquote. State Department requests suggestions nature of reply. Investigate and report. 14014.

Benson.                

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 520, Box 660.

Footnote 1: Sims’ Chief of Staff, Capt. Nathan C. Twining, and Cmdr. John V. Babcock, one of Sims’ aides and Intelligence Officer.

Footnote 2: Ely E. Palmer.

Footnote 3: Don Salvador Bermúdez de Castro y O'Lawlor.

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