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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Office of the Chief of Naval Operations to Admiral William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations

 

Cablegram Received                      Nov.17 1917

Origin    Opnav, Washington.  (Secnav)         Serial No. 1160

Via  N C B 18 D                                 Date No. 19016

Copies to COS JVB Ad. Benson1                 File No. 31/2/9

Ad.  Benson.

J

Simsadus.

1160.     For Benson.    After thinking carefully subject feel that it would be to advantage if we have a permanent War Staff in England as a part of the plans Department of the Admiralty. If this meets your approval, additional officers will be sent to augment those already in England who are fitted for this work. 19016

          [signature obliterated]2

                    12:55 AM

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

Footnote 1: Capt. Nathan C. Twining, Chief of Staff to VAdm. William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters; Cmdr. John V. Babcock, Sims’ aide and de facto Intelligence Officer; and RAdm. Benson.

Footnote 2: At this time, Benson was in London as part of a larger Allied conference. He had left behind an acting chief of naval operations, and apparently had authorized the office to sign documents in his name. This occasionally led to documents addressed to Benson, and also signed “Benson” at the bottom. It seems probable that this was the case here, and an editor completely marked out Benson’s name to avoid confusion.

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