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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

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

File No. 16-5-15.

CABLEGRAM SENT      Nov. 20, 1917.

To   Opnav, Washington.                Serial No. 1588

Via       NCB 17 ADM.             Prepared by WSB Appvd. by COS

Copies to: COS,1 WSB

VERY SECRET

1588. Information received from Secret Service sources indicates that a large number of German personnel is being sent to Pola2 to assemble and man German submarines for duty in the Mediterranean. In view of the fact that a number of our vessels are being sunk in that area and that this area, due to winter weather and other circumstances, promises to be the one where most active operations by German submarines will in all probability take place, I shall unless otherwise directed order the yachts now enroute to Europe to proceed from the Azores to Gibraltar for duty in the Mediterranean. Should there be any objection to this action immediate answer is requested. Signed Benson. 13320

SIMS.        

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. The date code at the end of the document is a stamp.

Footnote 1: Capt. Nathan C. Twining, Chief of Staff for Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters, and United States Naval Attaché in London.

Footnote 2: Also known as Pula, the city is now the capital of the county of Istria, Croatia. Prior to and during World War I, Pola was a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the main naval base and shipbuilding center for the Habsburg Empire.

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