William Sowden Sims to Josephus Daniels

PARAPHRASE
From: Vice Admiral Sims
To:Opnav
Urgent.

Following is from reliable source in close touch with prominent Englishmen both in public and private life. English fully realize that they have suffered an extremely grave reverse and there is general feeling of depression without despair. Consolation is derived from consideration: first, British Army losses relatively light in proportion number engaged; Second, German losses undoubtedly very high, estimated from twenty to thirty percent of the six hundred thousand enemy troops engaged. Later figures regarded as too high by more conservative judges who place enemy losses at about one hundred thrity five thousand for first four days; Third, although British front has been pushed back it has not broken; Fourth, War Office official announcement all British losses thus far in men and all have been made good. General expectations British retirement will be as far as line held July first nineteen sixteen possibly further, but high military authorities say Haig is confident of preventing enemy from driving wedge between British and French Armies. Same authorities profess assurance Amiens will not fall. They also point out that further west and south British retirement nearer they approach their great reserve area with consequent automatic strengthening of their capacity for resistance German drive.

A pleased impression has been caused every where in England by President Wilson's warm message of commendation to the British Commander-in-Chief. In private conversation a note of bitter disappointment or worse is sometimes heard because of American troops were not thrown in heavy numbers to help resist German attack. No such criticism known to have been uttered in any responsible British quarters, but men in streets know troops are in France in considerable numbers but knowing where wonder in vague way quote They are not helping us in the hour of our supreme trial.

My own information is to the effect that British troops area being sent to France at the rate of twenty thousand daily which is fast as they can be assimilated in France. Reliable reports to day indicates English have retreated to Albert and enemy has bombed and wrecked railroad station at Amiens.

Sims