The Washington times., 1920-05-06
TOLD SIMS TO
WATCH BRITISH
Benson Admits He May Have
Said "We'd As Soon Fight
England As Germany" .
|TEsTIFIEs IN SENATE PROBE
Can't Recall Language, But De-
cIares II Was a Figure
of Speech.

Admiral William S. Benson, for
mer chief of naval operations, said
today, before the Senate Naval AZ
fairs Committee, that 'it is possi-
BILE" he warned Admiral William S.
Sims on his departure for Europe at
the outbreak Of the war that 1--WE
would as soon fight the British as
the Germans"
He explained, however, that war
had not been actually declared when
Admiral Sims left and that he hoped
ITO prevent any breach Of neutrality
by indiscretions" on the part of the
latter.
Used Forceful Language.
"I do not recall having made the
statement that we would as soon
fight the British as the Germans,
and II would be impossible to tell the
exact language / did use in giving
confidential instructions to Admiral
Sims when he left for Europe" ex-
planned Admiral Benson. "That was
before our actual entrance into the
war.
"It is possible that ! used very
forceful language in explaining my
feelings on the subject, so as to pre-
vent any breach of neutrality by in
discretions on the part of Admiral
Sims"
"You do not deny you made the
cf AZ a eli Hale
chairman of the subcommittee.
IT cannot deny 1t under OATH" re-
piled Admiral Benson.
why did you say. DO not let the
British pull the wool over your
eyes," continued Chairman Hale.
IF said that, it was only figure
of speech that l used to express my
views on a very delicate situation"
Cautioned Sims.
"Did you repeat it later?" asked the
chairman.
when I went to London in 1917"
said Admiral Benson, after the war
had commenced. the feeling was
strong that the United States de-
stroyers were being used to protect
British shipping instead of our own
l told Admiral Sims OF the existence
Of such feeling here. explaining
that some thought he was being in.
fluenced by the, British, and l advised
that he be more careful for his owr
| sake"
In discussing the matter further
| Admiral Benson said: at is a
source OF personal grief to me tha
| this injustice has been done to en-
barrass me. 1t makes it PRACTICAL,
impossible for me ever to visit my
dear friends in Great Britain. The
British government decorated me. and
| it was source of personal gratiflca
ton for me to see the two service,
lighting side by side. Anything
might have said was not said will
i'll feeling toward the British, but just
to explain the gravity of existing cir.
cumstances."
Charges that the cross-examinatior
being conducted by Chairman Hale Of
| the Senate subcommittee investigat
ing the Navy Department is being
prepared by an admiral or other out.
| side party, were made today by Sen.
ator Pittman, Democrat of Nevada.
Refused Counsel. He Says.
| II was refused counsel by the Sen
ate to conduct this investigation
and 1t became necessary that / OBJ
tain some assistance" Hale explained
Then the will of the Senate is be
ing evaded?" Pittman continued.
Il notice a representative of tn,
| Navy Department is sitting near tn,
Senator from Nevada" Hale said.
| Il never asked a question in tn,
cross-eXamination of a witness. whicl
was brought me by a messenger boy.
Pittman said.