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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 30, 1917.

To Opnav Washington.                           Serial No. 1812

Prep. by COS        NCT1                                 D.R.    

NCB 18 D      

1812.     Information at hand indicates that American Steamer ACT<A>EON destroyed United States confidential papers but did not do the same with British codes, with the result that the latter were captured by enemy submarine. Admiralty suggest and I concur, that orders be given to Masters American Steamers to use same care in safe guarding <British> codes and confidential matter as for our own. It is possible such instructions already in force but now <not> known to me. 22130

Sims,         

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Document is a “Subject Copy.” Words and letters in angle brackets added by a later editor.

Footnote 1: Capt. Nathan C. Twining, Sims’ Chief of Staff.

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