EL TELEGRAMA DEL CONTRALMIRANTE SIMS Rafael FERNÁNDEZ MARTÍNEZ Extractos del telegrama Whether they will or not, Americans must now begin to look outward. The growing production of the country demands it. Alfred Thayer Mahan EAR Admiral William S. Sims to President Woodrow Wilson and Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels (1). File N.º 25-9-2. Sent: April 28th, 1917. To: Secretary of State. (For the President and the Secretary of the Navy). Owing to gravity submarine situation I am unaware as regards our forces available and the material condition, I cannot avoid urging importance time element and fact that pressing need of moment is numbers of vessels in danger area. We cannot send too soon or too many. Rate of loss given last week is continued and any further means of cooperation including increased shipping may be too late. Intensity of submarine campaign shows now and within next two months is critical time. Military information all points to breaking of enemy submarine morale as immediate mission. The area covered by destroyers is practically untenable by submarines, but this area is ineffective as it is too small. Yesterday the War Council and Admiralty decided that co-operation of twenty odd American destroyers with base at Queenstown would no doubt put down the present submarine activity which is dangerous and keep it down. The crisis will be passed if the enemy can be forced to disperse his forces from this crucial zone. (1) Naval History and Heritage Command, 2017. 2019 457
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