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Naval History and Heritage Command

Admiral William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations, to Admiral Henry T. Mayo, Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet

 

     Cablegram Received   Sept. 7 1917

Origin     Secretary of Navy1                Serial No. Opnav 353

Via          Sig cipher                                   Date No. 13007

Copies to C. of S.; J.V.B.; Ad. Mayo2              File No.

To Simsadus.

Opnav 353. For Commander in Chief Atlantic Fleet. This Government has been approached on subject of sending battleship or other craft to Norway in case she is forced into war.3 Discuss subject in all its details particularly with reference to logistics and division of our main fleet.

     Keep Department fully and promptly informed as to progress of discussion, views of yourself and Admiral Sims, also general opinion of other confere<e>s. Before making a decision this Government must be fully informed as to any plan considered, the object to be attained and the part each nation is to play.13007

Admiral Benson

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG45, Entry 517B. “Action Copy.” appears in the upper-left corner. This copy is on a printed form with a table just above the cable. This table has been omitted.

Footnote 1:Josephus Daniels.

Footnote 2: Capt. Nathan C. Twining served as Sims’ Chief of Staff. Cmdr. John V. Babcock acted as Sims’ aide and de facto Intelligence Officer.

Footnote 3: Norway maintained its neutrality until the end of the war.

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