Skip to main content
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, Bureau of Navigation

Chronological Copy.                          File No. <28-11-9>

Cablegram Sent      Sept. 12 1918. Y-13

To Opnav Washington      Serial No. 4609

Prep. by S-1             NCT1     D.R.

                                   31 ADR

                    S E C R E T

4609. Your 9042 I recommend that the design and production of mines suitable for use in waters of Otranto Straits be considered of primary urgency and importance. The acceptance by the Malta Commission3 of our Mediterranean proposals except as to Cape Bon-Sicily barrage brings all the Allies nearer to complete agreement there than they have been before. The agreement was reached on the basis of our statement regarding our ability to produce satisfactory mines for deep water. The successful prosecution of the war, the harmonizing of conflicting interests and our national prestige all in my opinion require that our statements as to our ability to produce the mines be full justified by early performance. 4609 045612

                                             Sims.

Source Note: C, DNA, RG45, Entry 517B.

Footnote 1: That is, Chief of Staff who was Capt. Nathan C. Twining.

Footnote 3: See: Allied Minelaying Conference Report, 15 August 1918.