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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

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

Cablegram Sent      Nov. 22, 1917

To   Opnav Washington              Serial No. 1513.

Via NCB 17 D.       Prep. by COS.  Appvd. by NCT.1

Sent                   Initials         File No.

Copies to: COS, JVB.2

1613. My 1586.3 Further information furnished by Jackson French endeavoring maintain coal pile at Bizerta one hundred fifty thousand tones for use Navy in Mediterranean. Now only twenty-five thousand tons at station and considerable anxiety felt regarding continuance supply. French Navy Department very anxious get immediate use of EVANGELINE and ask that authority be obtained to put her on this service for French Government on one of three conditions, namely, first with American flag and her present crew, second, with American flag and French crew, third, as complete transfer to French Navy. Navy Department very desirous vessel be placed under its control as they fear she will be taken over by Merchant Marine for other service if transferred to French Government without specifying Navy Department. I repeat recommendation of previous cable but suggest any steps possible be taken to insure use of vessel by French Navy Department.4 18122.

SIMS     

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Document is an: “Action Copy.

Footnote 1: Capt. Nathan C. Twining served as Sims’ Chief of Staff (“COS”).

Footnote 2: Cmdr. John V. Babcock acted as Sims’ aide and de facto Intelligence Officer.

Footnote 4: Evangeline was turned over to the French government but was taken over by the French government and not the French Navy. Wrecksite.eu, Accessed on 14 November 2017, https://wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?196502.

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