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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 Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

 

Action Copy

                        Cablegram Sent            Oct 9, 1917.

To     Opnav, Washington                        Serial No. 814

Via N C B 18 D                Prep by B A L Appvd. by C of S1

Sent                       Initials                   File No.

Copies to: C of S; B.A.L. only.

VERY SECRET

814. Opnav 597. Tankers may be routed either West Coast or East Coast. Those for West Coast should be destined for Kirkwall and those for East Coast to Devonport. Please discontinue routing tankers to Queenstown owing to small capacity of that station. Paragraph.

     West coast convoys pass north of Ireland and consequently a long way from our base. Vessels routed in west coast convoys should carry no stores. Small shipments of stores for Queenstown may be made in tankers routed in east coast convoy. These stores will be transhipped from Devonport. Request information in advance of arrival total tonnage for transhipment and cubic measurements and whether inflammables or explosives are included so that necessary arrangements may be made period Supply ships and tankers carrying considerable shipments of stores for Queenstown should be routed in east coast convoys and be especially indicated. Such tankers will be diverted from Devonport to Queenstown upon arrival on this side if capacity of Queenstown permits period Further report being sent by mail.2 00009.

Sims.    

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. The initials “MJK,” presumably those of the typist, appear in the upper-right corner. The number “00009” just before the signature is a stamp.

Footnote 1: Cmdr. Byron A. Long, an aide on Sims’ staff, and Capt. Nathan C. Twining, Sims’ Chief of Staff.

Footnote 2: This document has not been found.

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