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

 

TROOP TRANSPORT SPECIAL LETTER
CABLEGRAM SENT Oct. 28 1917.

To Opnav Washington           Serial No. 1115

Via NCB 18 ADR                PrepBy BAL1

VERY SECRET

Copies to B.A.L.

1115. Ref Your 839.2 It will be impossible to provide suitable escort for these vessels if routed alone. Furthermore they would be exposed to fast cruiser attack while crossing. Consider it safer and more desirable to route them together under protection of ocean escort. Full speed could be taken after reaching zone.

     Reasons against using VATERLAND for present have already submitted.3 04228

SIMS

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

Footnote 1: Cmdr. Byron A. Long, Sims’ aide in charge of convoying.

Footnote 2: This letter has not been found.

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