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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 the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

SUBJECT COPY.

File No. 11-2-15.  

CABLEGRAM SENT October 2 <1> 1918. Y-13

To Opnav Washington      Serial No. 5995

Prep. by O-1        SX   45 ARD.

S E C R E T

5995.     Your 1869.1 Department’s understanding is correct. In order to have uniform system as well as to prevent information falling into hands of enemy written instructions to transports and merchant ships previously issued are being withdrawn. In making practical application of the plan some objections arose to providing convoys arriving in Europe with special routes mentioned. These objections will be presented for Department’s consideration by Admiral Duff2 on his arrival. In meantime it is proposed in accordance with spirit of plan that convoys follow regular routes assigned unless specially diverted by radio and that battleships will join convoys on these routes instead of on special routes. 171801 5995

Sims.         

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. The handwritten date is confirmed by the time/date notation at the end of the cable’s text. Document reference: “3/C/J/C.”

Footnote 2: RAdm. Alexander Duff, R.N., Director, Anti-Submarine Division.

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