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

Cablegram Sent

October 30, 1917.

To Opnav, Washington          Serial No. 1166.

Via NOD 18 A                  Prep by J.V.B. Appvd by N.C.T.

VERY SECRET

Copies to: C. of S., J.V.B.1

1166 Opnav 888. Apparently no shipping authority included. Do not believe the vitally important decisions can be reached without complete and authoratative information concerning United States shipping situation. Earnestly recommend shipping authority come with commission or follow immediately after. References my despatches numbers one hundred and forty-six, one hundred and forty-seven and two hundred and eighteen.2 18030

Sims.

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

Footnote 1: Capt. Nathan C. Twining served as Sims’ Chief of Staff. Cmdr. John V. Babcock acted as Sims’ aide and de facto Intelligence Officer.

Footnote 2: For No. 147 and No. 148, see, Sims to Secretary of the Navy, 28 July 1917, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B; and Sims to Secretary of the Navy, 28 July 1917, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. No. 218 has not been found.

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