-  2  -
 
have been lodged.
 
       9.      As a longer term policy would it be possible to 
construct say 40 smaller vessels of about 800 tons?
 
C. Submarines
 
       10.     War experience has shown the need for Submarines 
of about 700 to 900 tons to operate in "confined" waters off 
the enemy's coasts, and owing to the extent of these operations
our losses have been heavy.
 
 
       11.    At the sane time damage to our yards has resulted in 
some loss of capacity.
 
       12.    Information is therefore requested whether U.S.A. 
would transfer two Submarines of about this size and build a 
further 18 ships. Ships complete with armament and spare gear 
would be required.
 
       13.     Merchant ships sinkings can often be avoided if Rescue 
Tugs are available.  We have several on service but more are 
required.  For these Ocean-going duties they require to be of
about 600 tons displacement, about 157' in length, of 1500 Horse 
Power, with an endurance of 24 days at 10 knots.  14 of these 
vessels are required.
 
       14.    Commander Sullivan, U.S.N., who has recently returned 
from the United Kingdom has full details and knows our requirements.
 
       15.    A requisition has been lodged for the above mentioned 
Tugs but no other action about the other requirements has yet 
taken beyond showing advance copies of telegrams to Admiral
Reeves and discussing the situation generally with Admiral Robinson.
 
       16.    I need hardly say that I am at your disposal at any 
time to discuss these requirements and would ask to be informed 
what further action if any is required to put forward these re-
quests.
 
          I am, Sir, 
 
                              Yours truly,
 
                              J.W.S. Dorling,
                              Rear Admiral, R.N.
 
Colonel Frank Knox
Secretary of the Navy
United States Navy Department
Washington, D.C.