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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Admiral William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations, to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

CABLEGRAM RECEIVED  Oct 21, 1917.

Opnav Washington    Serial No. 780

C. OF S1

VERY SECRET

Simsadus.

780  The Department requests to be informed whether the plan for placing mine barrier across North Sea on Aberdeen –Egersund line has approval of Admiralty. It is believed that the great experience of British naval forces, in No[r]th Sea operations and their experience in naval mining during present war,put them in best position to dec decide whether in opinion of Admiralty it is the best scheme in sight for limiting operations of enemy submarines provided that strait of Dover can be effectively closed to passage of submarines which if possible in opinion of Department should be done at earli earliest possible date. 21020.

Admiral Benson.    

9:30  am.

copy.

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517. Document reference number: “28 1 1. . . 1/2/A/J.” Document is labeled: EXTRA COPY FOR FILES NO INITIAL REQUIRED.”

Footnote 1: Chief of Staff, Capt. Nathan C. Twining.

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