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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

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

     CABLEGRAM RECEIVED. 5 November 1917.

Origin Ampat Brest (Havre).   Serial No.223.

Via: N C B A 17

Copies to BAL1     File No. 11/4.6

     BAL  VERY SECRET.   Action Copy.

Simsadus.

223. I urge that all convoys from America – including the New York convoys – be brought to destination by escorting destroyers, French or American patrols to meet at land fall position and pilot to port. This procedure will delay an imperative demand for more destroyers Brest. Conference with French Admiral2 indicates we can escort west bound troop and store ships convoys for the present with forces now available provided no escort required for any incoming convoys from America.

10.54 p.m.         

Ampat, Brest (Havre)

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

Footnote 1: Cmdr. Byron A. Long.

Footnote 2: Contré-amiral (RAdm.) Zépherin-Alexandr-Antoine Schwerer, Chief of Cabinet, and Navy Minister, Patrol Forces, Ocean and Channel.