New-York tribune., 1922-09-28
Destroyers Sent With a
Supply Vessel to Com
stantinople to Guard
Interests of Americans
Admiral Bristol
Has a Free Hand
distressed if They Do
Not Shoot if Neces-
sary,'' Says Navy Head
From The Trloune's Washington Bureau


WASHINGTON, Sept. GA squad
ron Of twelve American destroyers and
one supply ship, the U. S. S. Bridge,
were ordered to-day by the Navy De-
partment to proceed at full speed to
Constantinople with supplies and to
protect American interests in the war
zone. Selection of the dcstroyers will
be made <~om among thirty rushing to-
night under special ORDERS to the base
| at Hampton Roads.
Secretary DENLY said the expedition
will have nothing to do with the mill
tary situation" and it is Simply to
supply relief" The ships viii! report to
Rear Admiral Bristol, High Commits
sioner at Constantinople, who has no
instructions other than to use them as
his discretion dictates.
The navy secretary expects it will
take the fleet only twenty four hours
to load with supplies and fuel and
steam out Of the Chesapeake on the
5,0o0-mile voyage to the far end of the
Mediterranean. The trip, it is esti
mated, will require about eight days.
Admiral Bristol Unhampered
Admiral Bristol will use them as
and where he thinks best, and he will
not be hampered by special instruc-
tions at present but primarily thew are
for Americans and for refugee work. y
said Secretary Denby.
Asked about emergency orders for a
possible contingency, Mr.. Denby de-
c!ared that ne would be very much
distressed if they did not shoot if it
fn A
lives" He added: "I don't anticipate
any such thing, however"
Flat denial was made by the Secre-
tary that the ". s. S. Pittsburgh is also
under orders to rush to Constantine
pie, as has been reported for several
days. That ship, he said, has no orders
to proceed to the Near East, but is
merely going to relieve the u S. s.
Utah as flagship of the United States
naval force in European waters. The
| Navy Department statement said.
"a message was received this morn
ing from Rear Admiral Bristol, High
Commissioner at Constantinople, rec
ommending that for the protection of
! American interest, one or two divi.
slons of destroyers reinforce the Turk
lsh detachment, bringing extra supplies
with them. He also recommended that
supply ship be sent to Constantine
pie. Two divisions, consisting in all
of twelve destroyers, will proceed as
early as possible from Norfolk to Con
stantinople with extra supply of pro-
visions. AS soon as possible, the U. S
S. Bridge, supply vessel commanded by
Commander T. A. Kittinger, will follow
with supplies.
U. 8. S. Pittsburgh to Europe
"The purpose of sending these ships
is to protect American interests and
furnish supplies should they be
needed. The method of distribution
and in general the use to be made of
the supplies so furnished will be de-
termined by Admiral Bristol
press notices lately have stated
that the repairs on the U. S. S. Pitts
burgh are being rushed to completion
and that she would sail for the Near
East. No orders for the Pittsburgh to
proceed to the Near East have been is
sued. Several months ago it was de-
cided to relieve the U. S. S. Utah as
flagship of the commander Of U. S. S
naval force in European waters, and
the Pittsburgh was designated as it's
relief.
"The dispatching of the Pittsburgh
to Europe at this time is a matter of
routine and has no connection will,
political events in the Near East The
itinerary of the Utah calls for visit
to Constantinople, and it is presumed
that upon the hosting of his flag on
the Pittsburgh, Vice-Admiral Long
will later make his inspection trip to
| ConStantinople"