New-York tribune., 1919-12-28
Decker Says Duty Was to
Check Madrid, Which
He Did, ''Despite Oppo-
sition of Ambassador"
; More Admirals
Object to Crosses
Daniels Decides to Recon-
slider All Awards and
Send List to President
for Final Decision
Ner York T,-,buae
" dshin QtOn Bureau


WASHINGTON. Dec 27.-The
startling disclosure that Spain was
on the verge Of entering the World
War on the side Of Germany at the
most critical moment Of the conflict
came unexpectedly to-day as an Incl
dent Of the controversy over the
awarding of naval medals
In making public several letters
from naval officers declining decora-
tlons, the Navy Department gave
out a communication from Rear Ad-
miral Benton C. Decker, formerly
Naval Attache at Madrid, containing
the assertion that the effect of the
work Of his Office was 'to keep Spain
from entering the war against us at
the time of the enemy March often
sive in 1918" Admiral Decker fur
ther charges that this resultw as at
tanned "in spite of the opposition of
the Ambassador.
During this period Joseph f. Will
lard, the present American diplomatic
representative at the Spanish capital,
was serving as ambassador. Secre-
tary Daniels declined to comment on
Admiral Decker's charges and State
Department officials professed to know
nothing of any differences between the
diplomatic and naval representatives
in Madrid
Awards Put Up to President
An important development of the
medal controversy was the decision of
Secretary Daniels to put up to Presi-
dent Wilson the approval or disap-
proval of all awards of decorations to
officers and men of the American sea
forces made by the Naval Board of
Award. That board, which Secretary
Daniels has summoned to reconvene
mere on January >. viii reco der all
The awards thus far announced by the
Secretary of the Navy, and all recon-
n.cndatlons for decorations later to be
made by commaning officers.
lts recommendations will be referred
directly to the White House bv Secre
tary Daniels without alteration or
change by him. and the decision will
rest with President Wilson as to ap-
the Naval Board of Award
Three More Object to Awards
The communications given out by the
navy department to-day. in addition to
that from Rear Admiral Decker were
from Rear Admiral Henry T Navo
commander of the Atlantic fleet during
hostllltles, criticising the rejection of
made by him, and
urging review of the original deci-
slons, and the declination of awards OF
naval crosses by Rear Admiral Hilary
+. Jones, commander OF the Newport
News division forces during the war.
and Captain r. De l.. Hasbrouck. com
the Minnesota A letter from
Rear Admiral Henry Wilson sought to
have the board reconsider number of
made by him for
naval honors.
The decision to let the President de-
eide who is entitled TO naval decora-
tlons and who is to be refused them
Will IN no way Interfere with the in
vestlgation by Congress on the award
ing of the medals and crosses announced
by Secretary Daniels.
Inquiry to Proceed
Senator Poindexter and Representa-
tive Lufkln conferred to-day and de-
cided that upon the reconvening of
troduce resolution calling for com
plete investigation by a joint Senate
and House committee. This investipa-
ron viii seek to determine if the
awards approved by Secretary Dan
leis had the effect of destroying the
morale of the navy. as charged by Rear
Admiral William S. Sims in his etter
declining to accept the Distinguished
Service Medal.
Secretary Daniels definitely an
nounced this afternoon in his confer
ence with nawspapermen that he had
determined to eliminate himself in the
matter of awarding naval decorations
won during the war. He said that he
Will give the Naval Board OF Award
carte blanche TO reject or approve the
recommendations of commanding Off
GERS, and when the boards report has
been completed he will function only
as the medium through which the
BOARD may transmit its findings to the
Pres dent.
All to Be Referred to Board
Il have docIled to convene the Nayy
AWARD Board IN sess.on here Januar,
}, Secretary Daniels said, ito review
all awards thus far made and 10
determine definitely the distribution of
other medals and crosses for which
have been sent in or
may come later. Every scrap of paper
bearing on the question o. naval deco
ratlons wIll be referred TO the board
ana all recommendations, protests
Or criticisms received viii be furnished
The board TO base it's final verdict on
the question OF who is entitled to dec
orations. When the boards recommen-
-arions are ready | will transmit them
10 the President. who viii approve or
ilsapprove the boards action"
The Secretary said that in addition
to all written evidence on the question
Of meritorious service performed bv
members of the navy, opportunity also
VIII be given by the Naval Boagd nj