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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

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

Copy of Cablegram                       Sept. 12, 1918. Y.13.

To: Opnav, Washington.                       4661.

4661. One of the new large type mine laying submarines has recently planted mines in Bay of Biscay.1 Only one mine has been discovered thus far in vicinity Gironde. Past few months there has been remarkably small amount of mine laying throughout United Kingdom and in Bay of Biscay. Use of new mine layers may indicate more determined action on part of enemy against transports and storeships. Any marked increase of mine laying in Bay of Biscay would require additional mine sweepers from United States. Present French sweepers assisted by our trawlers are sufficient to handle main channels of approach ship. 4661.

                              Sims.

Source Note: C, DNA, RG45, Entry 517B. Document identifier: “1/3” appears in upper right hand corner of document.

Footnote 1: This likely refers to the German Type UE II submarines built as long-range mine layers.

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