The Washington times., 1922-01-08
navy FIGHT FOR
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Interesting Inside Story Of Why
Mitchell Was Superseded at
Arms Farley by Patrick.
ADMIRAL MoFFET VICTOR
Due to Latter's Work, Confer
sncs Refused to Limit Science
OF Aeronautics.
BY FRANK J. Drummer.
Former Washington Editor Of the
Army aud Navy Journal.
Behind the conclusion of the Con-
ference on Limitation Of Armament
to place no obstacle in the path
of aeronautics, because of the still
unfathomed possibilities Of develop
ment in this science, Is an interest
ing story.
From the time Brisadier- General
William Mitchell. assistant chief Of
the Army Air Service. and Rear
Admiral William A. Moffett, chief Of
We're appointed advisers to the
American delegates, official Wash
ington speculated whether their
rather compulsory team work would
extend through the life of the con.
ference. II did not, for early in
December General Mitchell withdrew
to 20 abroad on an aeronautical mis-
sion, and his chief. Maj. Gen. Mason
N. Patrick. was appointed to the va
cancy In the conference advisory COM
rnittee. ",.'
It is now no secret that General
Mitchell and Admiral Moffett could
not agree either personally or on mat
tiers affecting aviation.
Moffett's Navy Backing.
The disparity whereby the rear I'd;
miral ranked the brigadier general
also had its bearing. 1t gave the
rear admiral an advantage which.
supported as he was by the Navy De-
partment, he undoubtedly pressed to
the point where It became advisable
to relieve the brigadier general and to
substitute his chief. whose rank Ia on q
parity with that Of his conferee. The
change Of army advisers was an inter-
esting coincidence, for General Patrick
during the war relieved General Nit
chell as chief Of the army air forces
Pershing, who Is also q member Of
the Conference Advisory Committee.
Admiral Moffett and General Nit
chell are recognised leaders of Cd.
posed schools Of aeronautical thought.
The admiral has never evaded the
chance to resent General Mitchelrs
far-flung claims that air power will
drive fighting ships off the sea.
Bunk" he says. until proved in a
major sea battle" Interested friends
and associates tried to patch the
AL efforts have gone for naught.
Admiral HMoffett prevails in the
councils Of the conference His op-
ponent has been sent to Europe in
definitely. This initial revision of
the advisory staff Ia accredited to
the incorporating attitude Of Ad-
miral Moffett on questions OF avia-
ton as they affect the navy and his
refusal to go farther than common
courtesy dictated In relations with
his associates. S. ..
Mitchell's Aerial Plans.
General Mitchell. the leading pro.
ponent Of a united air force for con-
troll and operation of American air.
craft In peace and In war, IL credited
with the ambition to head q great de-
partment of the air. His activity along
this line and his statements before
committees Of Congress which tended
to discredit the navy's air activities
ton from the naval service.
The only flier of his rank In the
army, General Mitchell gained country.
wide praise for leading his air squad.
rons 100 miles out to sea and sinking
with great bombs several former Ger
man warships off the Virginia capes.
He made good" his claim that army
fliers and effective bombs could do the
work.
Although the navy aviators also
sank several small ships with bombs,
the army's execution was SO spec
tacular and daring that the navy's
ton. General Mitchell and his ad-
herents pursued their advantage. and
the relations between the army and
navy air service were practically
severed.
The navy declared air propaganda
has unfairly tended to weaken the ma
tons confidence In the navy and that
1t was sought to disrupt the de-
fensiye power to gain popular sup
port for united air force.
The controversy reached such q
ing hand Of the War Department was
extended before the fires Of disagree
ment were dimmed.
The navy believes that no power
can overtake the widespread influ.
encs of this propaganda and the gen.
eral belief air power has superseded
the warship. Hence its enmity to-
ward General Mitchell and his sup
porters viii be. long lived. The navy
feels aggrieved. also. claiming II has
not been accorded fair opportunity
to disclose some fallacies broadcasted
following the bombardment tests.
Admiral Moffett has steadfastiy
maintained that air power cannot be
decisive In sea warfare.
/ Potency OF air bombs he contrasts