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Naval History and Heritage Command

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

 

                          Cablegram Sent          Nov. 11, 1917

To Opnav Washington.                           Serial No. 1405

Via NCB 18 D           Prepared by Admiral Benson    Appvd. by

File No. <31-4-18>

VERY SECRET

1405. After investigation and consultation with Sims1 regarding status of Naval Attache London2 am convinced there is unnecessary duplication of work and some confusion due to peculiar conditions incident to having a senior officer here. Therefore recommend Sims be ordered as Naval Attache in London in addition to his other duties and that Captain MacDougall be relieved ordered home and assigned to other duty.

     The situation in Paris will be looked into and recommendation made later. Benson. Unquote. 16411.

Sims

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. “Information Copy.” appears in the upper-left corner. Sims sent this cable on behalf of Benson, who was in London at the time as part of the House Mission.

Footnote 1: VAdm. William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters.

Footnote 2: Capt. William D. MacDougall, United States Naval Attaché in London. MacDougall eventually received command of the armored cruiser North Carolina.

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