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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 Admiral William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations

Subject Copy.                             File No <55-5-2a>

Cablegram Sent 27 November 1918   Y-100

To Amnavpar, Paris,                         Serial No. 251

Prep. by CS             NCT1     D.R.

42ARD                  

C O N F I D E N T I A L

251 URGENT. FOR BENSON. My 240. Aside from the exhibition and propaganda purposes for which German submarines might be used it would be of great value technically to have them available for an extended period for thorough examination such as could hardly be made in these waters. The United States submarine force which is now at Portland, England, can furnish crews for five German submarines. Our submarines will be ready to sail for the United States December 10th and could take the German boats at that time if you approve.2 151527 251

SIMS.         

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

Footnote 1: “CS” is chief of staff who was Capt. Nathan C. Twining (“NCT”).

Footnote 2: The U.S. Navy did acquire German U-boats to study after the war.

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