William Shepherd Benson to Josephus Daniels

The following is a PARAPHRASE of a dispatch received from Admiral Benson, at Paris.

Allied Naval conference convened Paris, France, November twenty-ninth-November thirtieth presided over by French Minister Marine. Following countries represented: France, England, Italy, Japan, United States, and on last day Greece. Conference agreed upon following constitution for Inter-Allied Naval Council with understanding that constitution would be referred to the several governments concerned for approval and that decision would be communicated to French Minister Marine who if approved by all would inform interested parties simultaneously.
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Constitution of Inter-Allied Naval Council.

Paragraph one. Council at present composed of Chiefs of Staff of English, French and Italian Navies and of Admirals designated by governments of United States and Japan; the question of representation of Russia on this board is reserved.

Sub-paragraph. Council presided over by Minister Marine of country in which council is held-the Ministers Marine of countries being at liberty to attend these meetings.

Paragraph two. The object of the Council is to watch over general conduct of Naval warfare and coordination of action at sea. It prepares projects submitted for decision of the governments; keeps itself informed as regards carrying out of same; and reports to governments concerned according to the circumstances.

Paragraph three. The General Staff of each Navy and Commander-in Chief of each power charged with conduct of naval operations remain responsible to their respective governments.

Paragraph four. The general maritime policy followed by the different Naval authorities is submitted to Inter-Allied Council in such manner that Council may be always informed of general course of events; decide on method that will insure complete cooperation; and determine best division of forces employed.

Paragraph five. The Inter-Allied Naval Council meets usually in London; it can however meet in any other place agreed upon according to circumstances. The meetings of the Council will take place as often as may be necessary and at least once a month.

Paragraph six. The Inter-Allied Naval Council will designate such permanent committees as may be considered necessary to enable it to carry out its functions efficiently period.

Sub-paragraph. The information services of the allied admiralties will supply council with all information at its disposition period. Unquote. Paragraph.

I have taken up this subject with Colonel House who approves period. I request that the matter be given immediate consideration and that I be informed at earliest possible moment of President's decision period. paragraph.

The conference prepared a Press notice which it is proposed to give out simultaneously in all countries after ratification of constitution quoted above by all governments period. Until that time it is requested that no information relative to the constitution of the Inter-Allied Naval Council be given to the press period.
Benson.