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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 Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels

COPY

CALBEGRAM RECEIVED

Ser.No. Mission 8

Y- 1

Origin Amnavpar Paris                        <Nov 10 1918>

53 ARD                        SECRET

SIMSADUS.

Mission #8,Personal for Secretary of Navy. In view of situation this side I recommend following:

A. Stop immediately sending any additional Naval Aviation personnel abroad except special personnel that may be needed later for demobilizing purposes.

B. Stop immediately enlisting of all aviation personnel both officer and enlisted.

C. Place no additional personnel under Ground School Instruction or Flight Training but permit those now undergoing training to complete such courses and then place them on inactive duty.

D. Stop shipment aviation material abroad except that needed for demobilization force.

E. Cancel contracts for all aviation material abroad as far as practicable.

F. Stop production of aviation material at home as far as practicable.

G. Stop all aviation construction abroad except such as is necessary for demobilization force.

H. Stop all expansion aviation stations at home as far as practicable.

     Above recommendations made after conference with and concurring of Captain Irwin.1 025010.-Mission #8.

     This message has been retransmitted.     Benson.

     Sent 240 AM Rec’d 252 AM Nov. 10, 1918.

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. The handwritten date at the top is confirmed by the transmission information below the signature.

Footnote 1: Noble E. Irwin, Director of Naval Aviation.

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