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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, Second Cable of this day

Subject Copy.     

CABLEGRAM RECEIVED    Oct 3, 1917.

Origin     Opnav   Washington.                 Serial No. 571

Via     N C B D 15                             Date No. 19001

Copies to C. of S., J.V.B., B.A.L.1         File No. 251-1-1F

Action referred to:

     C. of C.2

Authority to [Distribute?] Forces.

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Simsadus.

571. You are authorized to redistribute the Naval Forces under your command to meet such changes as may arise in European Waters Period. Every re-distribution of your command shall be made with a view not only to meeting the military situation but also comma with a view to foster feeling and harmony among the Allies concerned. Evidence of dissati[s]faction on the part of one or more of the allies with a proposed re-distribution shall operate to prevent such re-distribution until you have adjusted the matter to the satisfaction of all,concerned. In case not yeilding to adjustment submit plan your views and the views of the allies concerned to Department and defer action. No re-distribution of forces shall be directed against the forces of any other power than Germany. 19001

Admiral Benson

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Someone crossed through the “3” in the date and wrote in "October 1,.” Since no reason was given for this change, the editors have reverted to the original dating.

Footnote 1: That is, Chief of Staff Capt. Nathan C. Twining; Sims’ aide, Cmdr. John V. Babcock; and another member of Sims’ staff, Cmdr. Byron A. Long.

Footnote 2: Presumably, C. of S., i.e., chief of staff.

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