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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

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

INFORMATION COPY

CABLEGRAM RECEIVED  14 November 1917.

Origin    Opnav     Washington     Serial No. 1113

Via  N C B 18 AVP   Date 17616

Copies To COS JVB   NCT1

Action referred to

ECT       None 14/11/17 ECT2

GLS

REVISED TRANSLATION

Simsadus,

1113. To carry mines across propose use vessels about 2000 tons dead weight, 9 knots, length less than 200 feet, draft 20 feet loaded sail under convoy expect begin January 20th. Number available sufficient to transport at rate 6,000 mines per week. Ships are new, have good winches and booms, Naval crew, no guns available before March. Will this arrangement suit. 17013.

1.00 am.

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. A later editor dated the document to 13 November 1917.

Footnote 1: Capt. Nathan C. Twining served as Sims’ Chief of Staff. Cmdr. John V. Babcock acted as Sims’ aide and de facto Intelligence Officer, and Capt. Nathan C. Twinning.

Footnote 2: Paymaster Eugene C. Tobey.

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