New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-10-13
Admiral Conferred on Plans
for Future With Brit
ish Chiefs
u. S. Fleet May
Take Larger Share
Believed Plan Has Been De-
vised to Seize Sea In
itiative From Foe
By Theodore NJ. Knappen


Atlantic feet, and staff from Europe,
officially announced by Secretary Dan
iels to-day, has been eagerly awaited
by naval officials and ali who were
aware Of the object of his mission.
The purpose Of the admiraPs trip, as
stated by Secretary Daniels, "was 70
permit him, in conference with the
other officials of the Allied navies, TO
become intimate in every detail with
the situation as it is at present what
has been done before and to discuss
plans for the future"
The last clause of the official defini-
tion Of the purpose OF the feet com
mander's trip covers the main object.
As interpreted by naval officers, it
means a decision on the future naval
strategy of the war and what chiefly
concerns the eager sailors Of the Amer
lean navy-the degree of their particl-
patton in the war. 1t is hoped in the
navy that the admiral will be able 10
report to President Wilson, with whom
he conferred at length before his de-
parture, that the nature and scope OF
the naval operations against Germany's
sea bases are to be so altered that the
American navy will have a chance to
exert itself on much larger scale than
at present.
Hope to Seize Initiative
Up to the present the manner OF
naval conflict has been determined by
Germany. b. ;seping her feet at its
bases she has Kept the British grand
heet on watch in the North Sea. and
by her submarine activities she has
imposed on the minor craft the task Of
patrolline certain definite areas of the
sea. which are chosen by the Germans.
"The next move" in the game has al
wavs been Germany's. While realizing
that the British officers. as the men
on the spot. with three years expert
ence. should be the final judges Of the
course of action, nine-tenths OF the
American naval officers hope and be-
lieye that. as a result Of the confer
ences between Allied naval officers and
Admiral Mayo. plan has been evolved
that will be more vigorously offensive
than the present one. and even call for
cooperation by the major units or the
American feet which are at present
even more inactive than the British
capital ships
The extent of the present American
naval expedition in European waters IS.
however, vastly larger than has so far
been officially stated. The number oil
small craft Of all kinds, from converted
yachts and submarine chasers up 10
the latest type Of destroyers and fast
cruisers, is so great that in one pa
trolled area which has not yet been
mentioned in the official announce
mcnts they are so thick as 10 almost
constitute floating inclosure.
Big Action Unlikely
Discussing Admiral Mayos mission,
naval authority gave it as.his opinion
that any changes that may have been
decided on in plans for future opera
tions will be isappontment to those
who have hoped that use might be
found for capital ships IN European
waters. The raval side OF the war will
not. in his opinion. even if 1t becomes
radically offensive one, call Tor utill-
zaton OF the armored chips or the
American navy. Admiral Mayo would
naturally be greatly Impressed by Ad-
miral Sims's views, and it is shown
that Notwithstanding his cagerness and
energy the latter is in thorough accord
with the prevailing view IN the British
Admiralty.
Il is considered certain, however,
that Admiral Mayo will report TO Presl-
dent Wilson an agreed-on plan of CO.
operation between the American and
British nayies that will amount to
Joint naval direction Of the combined
forces. Such joint direction will not
only give free scope Tor American ideas
20 contribute adequately 70 the strategy
Of the sea war, but Nill put an end TO
the minor friction that has been IN
evidence from time TO time.
So far the American naval force
abroad has been sort of fifth wheel
for the naval vehicle. American Off
GERS have felt that their contribution
70 the war has been looked upon by the
British as u hne piece of good fellow
ship and valuable as demonstrating the
right spirit, but not al essential.
Want 10 Play Their Part
They DO not like 10 feel that they
have been kindly admitted To a game
at va Dft+ f'"AA PtN4f'N " tAAt-
out them. They want 10 be made an
integral and indispensable part OF the
Allied side Of the game. They wish 70
emerge from a status OF Offering kindly
received cooperation TO one Of full
partnership ~ plan and execution.
The announcement of Admiral Mayo's
return, as given out by Secretary Dam
iels, Is as follows:
Admiral II. T. Mayo. L. 5. -. and
his staff have returned from Eng
land. The purpose Of the visit Of
Admiral Mayo 70 England vas o. per
NIT him in conference with the other
officials of The Allied nayies 20 be-
come intimate IN every detail with
the situation as il Is at present. what
had been done before, and 20 discuss
the plans for the future. The British
Admiralty extended every courtesy
and every facility to promote the
success OF this mission Admiral
Mayo will proceed Immediately 20
Washington and will then make a
full report TO the Secretary OF the
Navy.
Admiral Mayo visited the English
feet and our own forces in British
and French waters in order that he
might familiarze himself with the
conditions under which the Allied