New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-17
u. S. Ships in War
Zone Since May 4,
Daniels Announces

Washington, May 16.-Formal an
nouncement that American destroyers
arc in the war zone. operating against
German submarines. was made tonight
by Secretary Daniels after the news
had come from London. The number
and names Of the vessels were not DIS
closed.
Tho Secrctary's statement follows:
"The United States naval vessels
have been operating with the alled
naval forces in European waters since
May 4. A number Of destroyers sailed
from American ports in the latter part
OF April, and all arrived az their des.
tination without accident or delay OF
any kind. hey were ready for opera
tons when they arrived, and went INTO
service Immediately.
"The United States vessels are under
command OF Rear Admiral Sims, who
went TO England and France several
weeks ago TO arrange for active co.
operation between the naval forces of
tho United States and those Of the
other nations at war with Germany.
Plans formulated after reports from
Rear Admiral Sims made as a result OF
his conferences with the British and
French admiraltes are now beng Ell
feetuated.
at has been the purpose Of the
United States navy TO give the largest
measure Of assistance 10 the other
countries 40 war with Germany that is
consistent with the full and complete
protection Of our own coasts and terri
torial waters.
"The Navy Department has received
no reports that engagements have oc-
Cured between the United States yes
sells now in European waters and the
vessels OF the enemy
The disposition Of the destroyers has
been left entirely TO Admiral Sims, who
has worked out a careful plan for use
Of the vessels placed under his COM
mand after conferences both with the
British and French admiralties.
Destroyers have proved the most ef-
icient foe Of submarines. Their value
has been so great that all possible eff
fort has been concentrated by the Navy
Department upon adding to the Ameri-
can fotillas in the shortest time. More
than fifty new boats, swlfter. more pow
erful and seaworthy and more heavily
armed than any now in service. are
being built with all possible haste.
Several will be commissioned early in
the summer.
American destroyers sre sturdy craft,
built for duty at sea, and the conf
dence Of the department in their dura-
bility has been fully justified by the
fact that they arrived on the other
side of the Atlantic ready for imme-
date service. Special attention was
given 10 selecting the crews. Not
man will be sent 10 European waters
who has not had experience and train
ing in destroyer duty. Officials are
confident that the ships and crews VIII
give a good account Of themselves.
Rear Admiral Gleaves. chief Of the
Atlantic fotilla. is busy with vessels
remaining on this side, training add
tional men for service either in Amer
lean or European waters. With great
rush Of recruits to draw upon, all
young. eager men, ready for any danger
in service against the enemy, he is
turning out additional personnel for
the fotilla that promises TO fulfil
American navy traditions for daring
and efficiency.
The department is guarding closely
It's plans for sending other craft than
dsstrovers into the fighting Zones.
There can be no question, however,
that every element of the feet that
can aid in the fight will be used 10 its
utmost.
There does not appear to be any
present necessity for heavy craft IN
addition 10 the British and French
fleets.