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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters, to the Bureau of Ordnance

Chronological Copy.                         File No. <52-4-17>

              Cablegram Sent 20 December 1918.   Y-94

To   Opnav, Washington (Buord)     Serial No. 2200

Prep. by       M-4            SX D.R.

                                      42 ADR

C O N F I D E N T I A L

     2200 Commander Mine Force1 has developed a new type of sweep for sweeping Mark VI mines. In general the principle is to protect steel vessels by causing the electrical field in the water to reverse the normal direction of the current in the antennas. Several experiments conducted indicate method satisfactory. Urgently request following material be shipped Commander Mine Force, Inverness, soon as possible. 1000 fathoms of rubber insulated steel cable between 5/16th and 13/16ths inch, largest size preferred. Cable should be suitable for insulation resistance for 125 volts and should be protected by suitable cover as tarred linen and manilla. It is intended to use 300 yards this insulated steel cable on each end of the steel sweep wire as an electrical protection of sweepers. Commander Mine Force considers that sweeping can begin as soon as sweepers are obtained. I have recommended to Admiral Benson2 that 4 of Avocet class mine sweepers be sent from United States to Inverness immediately. 144420 2200

Sims.                  

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

Footnote 1: RAdm. Joseph Strauss.

Footnote 2: Adm. William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations.