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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Captain William V. Pratt, Assistant Chief of Naval Operations, to Admiral William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations

Chronological Copy.                         File No.

          CABLEGRAM RECEIVED  20 November 1918.

Origin    Opnav                        Ser. No. Mission 19

<To:      Amnavpar, Paris>

Wednesday Cable.

Affairs moving smoothly, nothing unusual. Admiral Knapp1 expects to arrive November 28th, will have him consult with Professor Wilson2 and try to get him away early in December. Demobilization plan for ships almost complete, will cable at length in day or two. Board considering carefully demobilization of districts especially shore activity. U.S.S. GEORGE WASHINGTON as well as U.S.S. AGAMEMNON being fitted to take peace mission, she is probably better ship. Not hearing to contrary have issued instructions as to standees on armored cruisers and informed Commander-in-Chief3 plan approved. Chief of Bureau of Navigation4 estimates permanent naval force at 218,000, total including reserves 357,000. Plan approved for peace distribution submarines. Copy on way to you<.> this can be easily changed if it does not suit but it was necessary to have plan to work to. Plan for routing transports finished. <20120>

Pratt.

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B.

Footnote 1: RAdm. Harry S. Knapp, Military Governor of Santo Domingo and Military Representative of the United States in Haiti.

Footnote 2: George Grafton Wilson, Professor of International Law at the Naval War College, was a strong advocate of the establishment a League of Nations Navy as part of the terms of peace with the Central Powers.

Footnote 3: Adm. Henry T. Mayo, Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet.

Footnote 4: Adm. Leigh C. Palmer.

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