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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Admiral William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations, to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

NAVAL FORCES IN FRANCE

COMMUNICATION OFFICE

DATE

DUTY

ORIGIN

DESTINATION

FORWARDED

AVIATION

ACTION

12-13

CPK

<COMFRAN, BREST>

OPNAV

BENSON

 

OPNAV Washington. Have received letter from Sims1 recommending detail of mine sweepers Lapwing class for duty North Sea.2 Have informed him by letter3 that, while I recognize necessity for expediting this work as much as practicable, at the same time we cannot consistently send these vessels away from home coast until we have assured ourselves that danger from mines has been removed or that our operations have advanced to such an extent that mine sweeping can be completed without these vessels without undue delay. Have stated also that it may become necessary to delay sending these vessels to Europe until spring. Unless you have good reasons for recommending action to the contrary, please be guided accordingly. 11313 Benson

     (Copies of despatch sent)

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

Footnote 1: Adm. William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters.

Footnote 3: See, Benson to Sims, 12 December 1918, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B.