File No. 763.72/4050
The Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11.45 p.m.]
6078. Admiral Sims wishes the following transmitted in strictest confidence to the President and the Secretary of the Navy:
The Admiralty is able to keep fairly accurate information concerning submarines leaving and entering their bases and their approximate location while operating.
[Page 38]For some days two of the thirty-four mine U-boats not located and Admiralty were about to inform us probability their being on way to [America] when they were located. Admiralty now believe none likely to be sent at present; that present successful submarine effort will continue off entrance to Channel. They are employing all destroyers that can be spared from Fleet. Experience shows 50 per cent destroyers can be maintained on patrol. The area they can cover practically untenable by submarines, but this area too restricted to be effective. Admiralty and War Council concluded yesterday that cooperation twenty odd American destroyers (base of operations?) Queenstown, would [practically?] suppress present dangerous activity of submarines and keep it suppressed. If enemy can be forced disperse his forces from this critical area the crisis will be passed.
In my opinion opportunity offers for brilliant distinction for our Navy. The six destroyers now on the way will be supplied depth charges and all necessary supplies, and experienced destroyer patrol officer will be assigned staff our senior officer. Urgently recommend maximum possible number destroyers be sent immediately.