The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-19

Capt. B. c. Decker, in command Of
the Tennessee. wired Secretary Daniels
tins morning that while proceeding
from vourlah to Smyrna to make Of
fetal calls boat was fired at. consul
anxious for safety of consulate. Ten
nessee proceeded to and left Vourlah
at request of ambassador and is now
anchored in the harbor of Scio tChios>
Greece, from which Captain Deckers
telegram was sent. Secretary Daniels
wired for fuller information"
DETERMINE NOT
TO BE INVOLVED
Although without definite details as
20 just what occurred. high officials
of the Washington government had no
doubt that the Incident no matter
where the Responsibility lay, would be
adjusted promptly through diplomatic
channels. President Wilson determined
that under no circumstance shall the
United States be involved in war with
Turkey.
On account of the slow cable COM
munication from Constantinorle, no
message concerning tn, incident came
from Ambassador Morgenthau Witn
the navy's message as the only basis
for judgment. President Wilson and
admin officials were puzzled
over what had occurred. The President
telephoned Secretary Daniels several l
times during the day and also dis
cussed the situation with Acting Sec
rotary Lansing. Two suggestions were
vouchsafed by high Officials, although
they admitted their views We're purely
speculative.
The firing, they thought, probably
was friendly act giving the custom
arr warning by a single shot, signify
ing to the Tennessees launch that the
port of Smyrna was mined and closed,
or else the boat was turned back na-
cause 1t attempted to enter withou;
p-tvious arrangement with the Turkish
authorities.
FIRING NOT AN
UNFRIENDLY ACT
Officials declined to believe the fir.
ing was an unfriendly or hostile act
Assurances given by the Porte have re-
peatedly pledged protection and closest
friendship for American citizens How
ever, when the American warships first
vent to the Mediterranean Turkey was
at peace. Since then the United States
has taken over the diplomatic inter-
csts fof Great Britain and France, with
whom the Porte is at war--a circuin-
stance fraught with delicate RESPONSE
bIlities.
Efforts on the part OF some Moham-
medan leaders in Turkey to start a
holy war have made Americans as
we'll as British and French subjects
apprehensive. The American consul at
Smyrna reported his fears to Ambas-
sador Morgenthau. under whose in
structions the two warships have been
Lie
Twice the Ottoman government has
warned the United States that the port
Of Smyrna was mined and for this rea-
eon the Tennessee. 1t Is understood.
has stood off at vourlah. 10 miles
away, while her launch started for tie
shore to Investigate conditions at the
Consulate
Regardless of whether or not Smyrna
Is closed port under the regulations
of the United States navy, Captain
Decker would be justified in seeking
to enter the harbor to ascertain the
facts with reference to the American
consulate and it's citizens.
These regulations virtually would
cblige Captain Decker to communicate
with the American consul at Smyrna
II he had learned that the consulate
was threatened using his launch If nec-
essary, regardless of whether the por!
was closed.
That Captain Decker did not persist
In his attempt to enter was indicated
by the fact that his message said he
left at the request of the ambassador
who. it is presumed here. thought II
advisa BILE to withdraw the ship until
a better understanding could be
reached. It Is believed also that if the
consulate were in grave danger the
Tennessee would not have left for Gre
clan waters.
Orders to the commanders of the
Tennessee and the North Carolina to re-
frain from taking steps which might en-
barrass the washington government
until specific Instructions could be given
followed careful consideration here OF
(Continued ON Page Seven.)