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

DISPATCH TO BE SENT

Date      17 September, 1918

To:       OPNAV

Prepared by P.1.                                No. 4864 <4964>

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     My 4845.1 The following additional recommendations were made by the Allied Naval Council:-

     1. That it was desirable not to evacuate Pechenga.2

     2. That is it was desirable that the following vessels remain on the North Russian coast during the forthcoming winter:- British battleship GLORY, one United States cruiser, two Allied Cruisers, three ice-breakers, ex Russian destroyers, trawlers, yachts and so forth.

     3. That the United States offer to supply Brazil the services of an expert Mine Sweeping Officer to assist in organising and training mine-sweeping flotillas.

     4.   That the United States offer to supply Brazil with kites and other mine sweeping material as required for Brazilian coast, especially for Pernambuco and Rio de Janeiro.

          The Secretary of the Allied Naval Council3 has prepared a letter for transmission to the Brazilian Ministry of Marine embodying the recommendations of the Council concerning the loan by the United States of a mine sweeping officer and the furnishing of mine sweeping material. I have requested that this letter be not sent until the Department approves the recommendation of the Council.4

SIMS.