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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Based in Europe, to Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

Chronological Copy.                         File No. <8-2-22>

              Cablegram Sent      Sept 27 <26,> 1918. Y-19

To Opnav Washington                     Serial No. 5618

Prep. by AC                  SX D.R.

                                      B

5618. Through Lord Reading1 and with assistance of Commander Baker2 have procured appointment by British Government of a special official charged with duty expediting American war press dispatches from France. Commander Baker came here charged with this duty by Chief Cable Censor3 and its accomplishment due chiefly to his knowledge of subject, his European experience, personality and wide acquaintance with officials. I believe his continuous co-operation with the special British official essential to continuous success of this measure. Threefore strongly recommend he be assigned this duty. To send a less experienced and competent man would seriously imperil success so much depends upon purely personal influence in co-operation. Understand Secretary4 specially interested in this matter. 172526 5618

Sims.         

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. The handwritten date at the top of the document is confirmed by the time-date stamp at the end of this document.

Footnote 1: British Ambassador to the United States Rufus Isaacs, Earl of Reading.

Footnote 2: Lt. Cmdr. George B. Baker. Formerly the executive officer of the Naval Censorship in New York (2 May 1917-24 September 1918), Baker had just received a special assignment to expedite the censorship of war news from Europe to America. For more on this assignment, see: Sims to William S. Benson, 17-18 September 1918.

Footnote 3: Capt. David W. Todd, Director, Naval Communications.

Footnote 4: Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels.

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