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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

 

Operating Orders of Force Movements, etc,

Secret Routes for Vessels.

ACTION COPY.

 

Cablegram Received 20 October 1917. 5.25 P.M.

Origin Opnav Washington  Serial No. 748

Via N.C.B.D. 18     Date No. 20018

COPIES TO C of S1

Ref’d to C of S     Cabled Department 10/21/17 ECT2

         BAL3      Noted               "     DE

SECRET.

Simsadus.

748. The need for cruisers in the Atlantic has made the department wish to move the U.S.S. Monterey to Honolulu, and bring the U.S.S. Galveston and U.S.S. Cincinnati to Atlantic. In view of previous understanding with admiralty as to force we would maintain Asiatic station the comment of Admiralty is desired.4 20018.

Admiral Benson.              

5 A.M.                  

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

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

Footnote 2: Paymaster Eugene C. Tobey, a member of Sims’ staff.

Footnote 3: Cmdr. Byron A. Long, the aide on Sims’ staff who handled convoying issues.

Footnote 4: Based on what Sims wrote Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels on 19 October, the British Admiralty approved of the transfer. In the Pacific the Japanese Navy took greater responsibility for maintaining security. The Lansing-Ishii Agreement codified that arrangement. Braisted, The United States Navy in the Pacific, 1909-1922, 330-37.