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

GIBRALTAR FIRST CONVOY

Commander Long.1

DISPATCH TO BE SENT

Date November 30, 1917.

To: Opnav, Washington.

Prepared by B.A.L.

     Your 1295.2   Admiralty considers it unwise to use Azores as regular port of call as it furnished enemy additional unnecessary focal point at which to attack shipping. Regardless of naval forces stationed at Azores area never can be made safe if large amount of shipping concentrates there. Very necessary on account Italian situation to increase supplies into Mediterranean. Convoy proposed would delay shipping at least 35%. Submarine activity west of Gibraltar has diminished but may increase again at any time. It is suggested that Department make all arrangements for sailing a convoy every six days from Hampton Roads. It is assumed that this would require about 10 cruisers. I should be informed how many additional cruisers would be needed from the Allies to complete this arrangement. The proposed convoy to be ready to be placed in operation on short notice in the event of increased submarine activity west of Gibraltar or of presence of raiders in Atlantic.

SIMS