Naval History and Heritage Command

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

CABLEGRAM RECEIVED      Sept 14, 1917

Origin Opnav, Washington          Serial No. 411

Via N.C.B. D 13                   Date No. 10013

Copies to C of S., J.V.B., B. A. L.1

Action referred to B. A. L

Simsadus.

Opnav 411.    Your 520 Noted.2 We are making every effort to divert all American trans-Atlantic shipping into the convoys and to effect adjustment so that sailsing ships and very slow craft are directed into other trade period Referring to your 5213 after this voyage the MANCHURIA and MONGOLIA will sail for Liverpool period All fast ships, valuable ships and vessels carrying troops will route in the liner convoy from Halifax period The four fast mail ships ST. PAUL, NEW YORK, ST. LOUIS, PHILADELPHIA, carrying mail, valuable cargo, passenger, casual officers still sail direct and will require escort 100 13 Admiral Benson.