New Britain herald., 1915-09-25
VoD Holtzend0rf Succeeds Bach. mann as Head of De- pertinent
 v VON KOCH TAKES
 VICE CHEFS POST
Action Takes Place in Connection With Modification in Submarin , Policy Signalized by Ambassador Von Bernstorff'S Declarations at Washington - Displaced Admirals Opposed Notifications.

Berlin, via Courier to the Frontier, and London, Sept 25, 5:05 A. M.-Ad- miral Won Holtzendorff former com mander of the German high seas fleet, now is head of the naval general staff succeeding Vice Admiral Bachnlann. vice chief of the naval general staff. also is out, and it is understood his successor will be Admiral Won Koch, inspector of marine instruction at the naval academy, although this is un- confirmed.
 The changes which were made some time ago, took place in connection with the modification in the subma- rine policy slgnalized by Ambassador Won Bernstorff's declarations at Washington. The displaced admirals. it is understood, were opposed to the notifications.
 All Important Branch.
 The naval general staff in war time is supposed to be the all-importane branch of naval administration. It has charge of all operations of the fleet; directs it's strategic plans and dispositions, and issues the orders un- l der which all units of the navy op- crate.
 In time of peace it was over shadowed by Admiral Won Tirpitz and the ministry of marine, owing to the 1 dominant personality of Won TirpitZ. l Even in the stress of war Von Tirpitz has been able to exercise considerable influence upon the naval policy. 1 Big Man of Navy.
 The new chief, Von Holtzendorff, is one of the big men of the navy. Elm : peror William gave him command of the high seas fleet at the outset of the dreadnought era, when the advent of the all big gun type of battleship made Germany a dangerous rival of Great Britain, and he retained that command until just before the war began when he was succeeded by Ad- miral Won Ingenohl, who in turn gave way last spring to Admiral Won Pohl.
 The new chief of the naval staff, with his bushy snow white beard, his square thick set frame and his frank, positive manner is a typical seaman. He carries marks of force written all over him-an impression which is ] heightened by his deliberate but thor l oughly frank speech-and enjoys the l respect of naval officers generally. Believes in New. Policy. ! He is, The Associated Press cor. | respondent mas EOOQ reason to DeHeNe, | firmly committed to the new line of submarine policy in regard to Dassen- 1 ger steamers and is thoroughly con- | vinced nc more of them will be sunk, as he considers the measures now be- | ing taken adequate to prevent all pos sibility of accident or error. Subna- 1 rine commanders have been instruct ed not only not to torpedo passenger steamers without warning them and giving passengers and crew an oppor- tunity to escape unless the liners at- | tempt to fight or run away when 1 hailed, but also 10 adopt the safe course when there is doubt as to the intentions of the ship, and not fire torpedo unless absolutely convinced of | a hostile intent.
 There have been no developments in the submarine question from the German side since the despatch to Ambassador Won Bernstorff of the in- structions under which he now is con- ducting negotiations at Washington.