The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-10-10

Washington, Oct. 9.--The coming
to the United States of Sir Eric Ged-
des, first lord OF the admiralty, at :
the head OF a special naval mission
from Great Britain. promises to have
as important bearing upon future ali
lied naval plans as the Versailles mis-
| itary conference had upon war OPP
erations on land. 81
II is apparent from the character
of the personnel accompanying tho
civilian chief of the British admiral
~ that every phase of the war from
naval viewpoint. will be canvassed,
and considered with a view OF COM
piete coordination and unity of ac-r
ton tStween the two greatest navies
of the world.
| and the coming to the United States
TO hold these important conferences
fat The national capital, instead OF
asking for consultation in London.
Is an Intentional mark of British and
allied appreciation OF the vastly i'm
portant and valued aid already rem
dcred by the United States navy
Accompanying Sir Eric are Vice
Admiral Sir A. l.. Duff. assistant chief
of the British naval staff. and Rear
Admiral y. r Everett, naval secre-i
tary to the first lord These three
distinguished naval representatives OF
Great Britain constitute fun adj
uiralty board, capable of making not
merely suggestions, but final. authori-4
tative decisions, as binding as il maze
at their home office
The range and scope OF the discuS-
sions which are 10 begin here in
earnest tomorrow, are further shown
by the additional important members
/ OF the mission. Sir Eric brought
with him the active head of every
important branch of the admiralty. +
besides a retinue of secretaries and
clerical assistants, indicating that the
various problems confronting the al.
lies in every theater OF naval ACTIVE
ties will come up for discussion and
,deeision. .ss,ssss
First the party includes Captain
Fuller. the director OF naval plans
He is the British expert on sea strait
egg and operations
Next, there is Captain Preston, di-
rector of mine sweeping He is the
absolutely last British word on that
important branch of the service In
addition. the party includes Paymas-
term Chief Manisty. organizing man.
lager of conveys. and the brilliant
head OF the anti submarine division.
Commander H. r. Sawbridge.
Sir Eric is also accompanied by
secretary, and r. F. Dunnell. addi..
tional assistant secretary OF the navy
both of whom are overlooking with
invaluable war facts and figures. and
will aid in the conferences.
With the arrival OF the British mis-,
sion in Washington, some interesting
Developments in the submarine situ-
|ation became known. The British
admiralty has had definite informa-
ton for some time that, beginning
with the last quarter OF 1917. the out- f
put of German submarines has been
greater than at any period since th0
beginning of the war.
The Importance Of the mission In
fully appreciated by Secretary Daniels
and the high officials OF the navy de-
partment and officers OF the navy.
Admiral Benson chief OF naval OPP
erations. met Sir Eric when he land
ed at New York. All the chiefs or
| the bureaus assembled at the rail-
way station here when the party arr
rived in Washington this morning.
The mission is now established a.
the residence of Perry Belmont, which
was rendered to Sir Eric for the occu.
pancy of his party during their stay
here =
Secretary Daniels made an ofacfaf
call upon the first lord shortly after
his arrival. -
Later in the day Sir Eric and the
mem bers of the mission were pre-
sented TO President Wilson. who gave
a luncheon in honor OF the British
visitors. The party also called upon
Secretary of State Lansing. Later.
Sir Eric held reception for newn-
paper men. He spoke enthusia4td-
cally of the pleasure he felt Of re-
inewing his acquaintance with The
United States. where as a young man
| he said he had spent some strenuous
years learning lumber and railway
work and making many good frienda~
Mr.. Daniels intimated to me rs-
Gently that a visit of tixe9s
OF the British board of Admiralty IA
discuss certain matters concerning
the naval situation would be very
himself, and 1t is in this capacity ana
for this purpose that we have Gonna
over" said Sir Eric. XII
"in the past we have had the great I
advantage of receiving in our own
country distinguished United staten
naval officers and high ofFicials. and \
we know how valuable are these 90
portunities fer close consultation sss
The first lord spoke in unmessufe14st
words of praise OF the achievements
of the American navy. and pAt4 Al
glowing tribute to the eScellenoe - 1
/ the individual American sailor AboAfd
our ships.
| The visit to this country will ~
be unnecessarily prolonged. OmclAl
conferences will begin tomorrow. aM4
as soon as the war business In ha1A
! is over, the party will hurry bae4,sS
Sir Eric will not visit Canals. N0eSsl
officials win b hsld hAfA