ng-range firing and the opportunities given to naval
personnel to study and observe the artillery work on the western front
are considered to be of great value to the service.

[Sidenote: The oil pipe line across Scotland.]

_A United States Naval Pipe-line Unit_ has completed important service
in the construction of a fuel-oil pipe line across Scotland, and is
understood to have been asked for by the French to do some work of the
same kind for them.

(_a_) There are yet to be inspected and observed the following
activities, which have not so far been mentioned:

[Sidenote: Additional naval bases.]

United States naval base at Cardiff, Subchaser Detachment Two, based on
Corfu, Captain C.P. Nelson, United States naval air stations in Italy.

(_b_) It is not deemed practicable to visit the United States naval
forces based at Gibraltar (Rear Admiral Niblack), nor the United States
naval forces based on the Azores, because of difficulties of
transportation, as is also the case in regard to the U.S.S. _Olympia_ in
northern Russia.

V. UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION IN EUROPE.

[Sidenote: Aviation Headquarters in Paris and London.]

(_a_) The establishment of United States naval aviation in Europe has
been one of the most difficult and involved tasks which have had to be
undertaken and brought into effect. Captain H.I. Cone arrived in Europe
for this work about October 1, 1917, and has continued in charge of it
ever since. He maintained headquarters in Paris until about August 1,
1918, when he removed to London and was designated as aid for aviation
on staff of the commander of United States naval forces in Europe.

[Sidenote: Supplies arranged for by cable.]

(_b_) There were arrangements to be made with the French and the British
as to locations for stations that would be best adapted for cooperation.
There were further arrangements to be made as to the procurement of
sites or the taking over of the stations already in operation or in
process of construction. The Navy Department had also to be communicated
with, largely by cable, as to design, quantities, and shipments of
material, which upon receipt had to be allocated with a view to
completing certain stations as soon as possible while not delaying the
progress of the general scheme any more than could be helped.

[Sidenote: Coastwise transportation difficult.]

(_c_) Delays and mistakes in the shipment of aviation material probably
caused more trouble