New-York tribune., 1918-05-21
First Decree Under New
Law Separates 1t From
Signal Corps
Creates a Bureau
For Production
Wilson's Order Gives
Power and Legal Status
to John D. Ryan

completed to-day by President Wilson
a his first act under the Overman law
permitting him to resdjust government
departments for the war.
In an executive order, which followed
soon after he had signed the Overman
bill this afternoon, he directed that the
air service be wholly divorced from the
signal corps, and also that the func-
tions of producing and operating air
craft of all kinds in the military SER
vice be separated.
The order formally creates bureau
o. aircraft production, described as
an executive agency which "shall ex-
ercise full, complete and exclusive
jurisdiction and control over the pro-
duction of airplanes, airplane engines
and aircraft equipment tor the use of
the army" under director of aircraft
production. who shall also be chairman
Of the Aircraft Board.
This gives full legal status and
power to John D. Ryan, recently ap-
pointed director of aircraft production
and chairman of the Aircraft Board,
and the order transfers to him all
funds, lands, buildings and personnel
Of the Signal Corps having to do with
sirtraft production.
Kenly Is Aero Director
Similarly, the position of Director of
Military Aeronautics, now held by Ma
jor General William L. Kenly, is for
mAlly established, and all funds, duties.
equipment and personnel of the Signal
Corps connected with the operation of
aircraft and balloons and with the
!, training of Aaviators,. placed under his
direction. The Signal Corps reverts 80
its old functions, having to do only
with army signalling and the trans
mission of military information.
Major General George o.. Squier,
chief signal officer, remains in that
post, but without connection with the
chief signal officer, he continues as
an ex-officio member of the Aircraft
Board.
In connection with the reorganiza-
tion, made at a time when the Depart
ment of Justice is undertaking at the
direction of the President an investi
cation of charges brought against the
honesty and loyalty of men heretofore
IN full control of the air programme,
Secretary Baker directed to-day that
Colonels R. L. Montgomery, E. A.
Deeds and S. D. Walden, of the Signal
Corps. be detached from all other du-
ties and assigned to assist the Attor-
ney General in his inquiry.
The instructions make it clear that
these officers are not to be regarded
as suspended under charges. They
are detailed to give Attorney General
9regory and Charles E. Hughes, who
is to direct the inquiry, all informa-
ton in the hands of the War Depart
ment relating to the aircraft pro-
gramme. AS the men directly in charge
o. production and also as members of
ttne Aircraft Board, the three officers
nave nave personal knowledge of every
phase of the subject.
gramme not specifically covered in to-
days orders is the relation between
the army and navy efforts. Mr.. Baker
explained, however, that cooperation
with the naval service would be carried
on through the new agencies, as in the
past
Senator Chamberlain's resolution,
which would authorize the Senate
Military Committees proposed aircraft
""o otner war lnVeStlSaClOnS, Will
come before the Senate Wednesday.
Negotiations today between champions
OF the resolution and Administration
leaders opposing it were without re-
suit and Senator Mcclellan, in charge
OF the measure, announced that he
would call it up for action Wednesday
regardless of whether a compromise
was agreed upon.
Compromise Rejected
Administration forces during the day
natly rejected a substitute resolution
brought forth by Senator Mcclellan and
senator. Hitchcock, of Nebraska, both
military committee members, as the
basis of a compromise. They pro-
posed to empower the committee to
employ assistants, spend money and
have subcommittee sit during Con-
gressional recess in investigation OF
aircraft. ordnance and quartermaster's
auairs OF the army, but without using
the language to which President Will
son m objected in the original resolution.
ihe disagreement came on the plea for
continuous inquiries by sub-commit-
tees after Congress adjourns.
:. Various other compromise sugges-
sions were made. representatives OF
ooth sides expressed themselves as
anxious to avoid an open conflict
wednesday and to continue their con-
serences tomorrow.