Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1921-05-02


the only force the world could look to
for protection was our Atlantic feet.
If the Germans had possessed the nerve
and daring to make a dash for the open
sea: If they had preferred to risk de-
struction and death rather than accept
the humiliation of surrender, / think it is
quite possible that enough of their fast
battle cruisers could have broken through
! to play havor before they were over
hauled and sunk. In such event the
presence of the Atlantic feet, unengaged
and ready for instant action, would have
been the hope and comfort of our allies,
and the proof of our good Judgment.
GERMANS LACKING
IN AUDACITY.
After our troops began crossing the
Atlantic in large numbers there was al
ways the risk that German cruisers
would appear suddenly, attacking and
sinking transports. Looking back now
find it difficult to believe that the Ger
mans did not attempt to do this thing
had they succeeded In even one or two
cases it would have meant much to them.
They lacked the audacity.
AS things obviously approached
climax and victory hung in the balance
in 1915 1 felt the possibility Of a bold
venture by the German navy was so
great that It must be considered most
seriously. It seemed to me that the
Germans were likely to make one splen-
did dash in a rsk-everything effort to
win the war.
overseas under the command OF Admiral
| T. s. Rodgers, with specific instructions
to be vigilant for the appearance Of any
possible German cruiser, and. at all haz-
ards, to give protection to the American
tropp transports.
The British fleet and Admiral Rod
mans division were based on Scapa
Flow.
RODGERS PLACED
ON BANTRY BAY.
II the miracle of es pc had happened,
one German raider, Tree, and In the
vicinity of Brest, could have sunk troop
ships with thousands OF men before 1t
could have been sunk, unless powerful
| dreadnaughts stood between the trans
ports and danger So Admiral Rodgers
division was based on Bantry bay. in
a position to intercept.
II we had failed to take this precau-
ton, and an enemy cruiser had eluded
the blockade, what would have been my
/ condemnation? Had we through such a
lives Of any of our men l could not have
forgiven myself, and the country would
not have forgiven me.
But the Germans were too prudent to
make this venture. Under like circum-
stances, believe, sooner than make pos
sible an ignominious surrender. such as
we witnessed at Seapa Flow. the men OF
the American Navy Of the British navy
would have died In the resolve to at least
go down In the last dash against the
enemy.
QUESTION
OF RANK.
There was minor difficulty which was
involved in the proposal to send Admiral
Mayo and the Atlantic fleet to the North
sea. I mention it only 10 assert emphat-
ically that II considerations OF naval
strategy, considerations affecting the
common interests, had made it wise to
send Mayo aud his ships. this particular
| difficulty would have been brushed aside
as a man hicks the ash from his cigar.
1t lay in the question which naval Of
fcers and others raised as to whether Ad
miral Mayo, being senior In command,
would displace Admiral Beatty, com
mander-in-ch Of the British grand
feet, or be subject to his direction.
1t was a question of rank which in
peace maneuvers would have been a Ques-
ton of much Importance, but in the
worlds hour or agony and need II mat
tered far less than other things.
MAYO EAGER TO
GET IN THE GAME.
At least so thought Admiral Mayo,
whose only wish was to get into the
war zone and to be where the biggest
chance lay for big fight. He would
have gone gladly conceding the ranking
position to the officer who commanded
the largest feet and who was most fs-
miliar with the fighting ground-ths
North sea.
1t is one of my regrets that Mayo and
Beatty and Rodman did not get the
chance to go after the Germans together.
I have an idea that had they been turned
loose and told to go get EN-" they would
have found a way.
(Another article by former Secretary
Daniels win be printed tOmorrow)