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Naval History and Heritage Command

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

Chronological Copy.                         File No. <40-2-13>

          Cablegram Received September <14> 15, 1918 Y-6

Origin    Opnav, Washington.           Ser. No. 1524

     CS        Sept 15

53 ADR                  S E C R E T

Simsadus

1524. Your 45231 compromised. <Before> coming to final decision desire further explanation following points

Paragraph3. Does this plan contemplate combining troop and cargo convoys with each other.

Paragraph 7 Not entirely clear. Is it the intention to lay out a plan of diversion route for each unescorted convoy which will extend over a space of time and then be changed or is it the plan to furnish special diversion route for each unescorted convoy sailing. Will these routes be furnished by you to us for east bound sailings and vice versa for west bound sailings. Will more than 1 diversion route be furnished a convoy. Should not escorted convoys be furnished diversion route to us if necessary.

East-bound convoys E. This paragraph precludes diversion of escorted convoys even when encountering superior forces.

Paragraph F. Detail to carry this into effect not stated.

Paragraph H. Is it intended that troop convoys may under any circumstances be delayed to join a cargo convoy.

Paragraph I. Will more than 1 diversion route be prescribed for each convoy. 15014 1524

10:05 AM Sept 15, 1918                      Benson.

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. The handwritten date is confirmed by the time-date stamp at the end of the document. For Sims’ reply to Benson’s questions, see Sims to Benson, 16 September 1918.

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