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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. 4, 1918.       Y-56.

To Opnav Washington.                        Serial No. 8912

Prep. by  M-4                     NCT

                                      46 ARD

S E C R E T

8912 URGENT. Your 4390.1 I concur in advisability discontinue preparation special material for mines in 500 to 600 fathoms. 1st concur in abandoning Aegean project, provided if Allied Navies are not able establish surface and sub-surface control of Black Sea necessity for denying passage to enemy through Bosphorus or Dardanelles shall be considered and such mine material and nets as may be determined upon shall be provided. Second, concur in suspension Adriatic Sea plans with probability of abandonment, in view of probability that in near future there will be no more active enemies in Adriatic Sea. 3rd, I consider that North Sea Barrage should be augmented throughout winter from time to time as weather permits and recommend necessary material be prepared accordingly. Recommendations as to specifications for necessary material will be submitted. 4th, if Adriatic Sea Barrage should become necessary, portion of material prepared for North Sea could be used as suggested, provided Allied Naval Council would reach conclusion in favour of laying barrage in that location. 185504 Your 4390 8912

Sims.         

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. The identification numbers “1/2/A” appear in the top-right corner.

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