Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Forces Operating in European Waters to Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, 10/31/1917

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

Action Copy

CABLEGRAM SENT 31 October 1917

To: Opnav, Washington Serial No. 1200

Via: Clear. Prep. by MO Appvd. by ECT1

Copies to COS, JVB, MO.2

1200. For Amerfleet. Panel has again revised situation with respect to boiler furnaces on order various U. S. concerns. It has definitely decided that they may not be obtained this source for the reason that the production of boiler steel is insufficient to meet domestic requirements. New ships waiting for boilers. I have asked Foreign Office member panel to communicate this unfavorable decision through diplomatic channels to Admiral Capps and Boyden.3 Furnaces can be made here if steel is supplied by U. S. but not otherwise. Panel fully understands seriousness situation and what consequences may be. Are using every effort increase production but this will not follow for many months. Please keep me advised. Tobey. 21331

Sims.

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

Footnote 1: “MO” stands for "Maintainence Officer," Naval Constructor Lewis B. McBride, and "ECT" was Paymaster Eugene C. Tobey, an aide on Sims’ staff.

Footnote 2: Chief of Staff, Capt. Nathan C. Twining, and Cmdr. John V. Babcock, Sims’ Intelligence Officer.

Footnote 3: Chief Constructor Washington L. Capps and Lt. (j.g.) Donald Boyden.

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