Naval History and Heritage Command

Lieutenant Harry F. Guggenheim, Administration Division, Naval Aviation Forces, Paris, to Captain Hutchinson I. Cone, Commander, Naval Aviation Forces, Foreign Service

4 Place d’Iena,         

Paris, France.          

     May 10, 1918.

Captain H.I. Cone, U.S.N.

U.S. Naval Aviation Forces.

4 Place d’Iena, Paris.

          SUBJECT: Organization of U.S. Naval Aviation Forces in Italy.

Dear Captain Cone:

     The following duties are being performed or are about to be performed by the U.S. Naval Aviation Forces in Italy.

1. The operation of two seaplane stations, one at Porto Corsini, and the other at Pescars <Pescara>.

2. The training of U.S. Naval Aviation Student pilots at the Italian Flying School at Lake Bolsena.

3. The insurement of the receipt of adequate supplies from both the Italian Government and the United States Navy, in accordance with the memorandum attached hereto, for the adequate operation of the seaplane stations and the school.1

4. The general liaison work between the U.S. Naval Aviation Forces and Italian Aviation, in particular the forwarding of information of Italian aviation practice for the use and benefit of your forces.

5. The following up of the contract with the Italian Government for the supply by them of Caproni planes for the Northern Bombing Project, in particular completing arrangements for certain accessories and instruments, and details of this contract still under negotiation.

     In accordance with your appointment, Lieutenant Callam<n> is Commanding Officer of U.S. Naval Aviation Forces in Italy. In regard to the organization for the work outlined above, I recommend for the present the following.

1. That Headquarters of U.S.Naval Aviation Forces in Italy be at Rome.

2. That as Commanding Officer, U.S. Naval Aviation Forces in Italy, Lieutenant Callan shouldnot be confined to any one station, but shouldbe given a Commanding Officer for each one of the two seaplane stations and a Commanding Officer for the school, leaving him free to xxx spend his time wherever his services at any given time may be needed. He will, in particular, have to be in close touch from time to time with Captain De Filippi, Chief of Naval Aeronautics, who is stationed at Rome. I think that as operations develop he will also find it essential to keep in touch with the Commanders of the Districts in which the seaplane stations are operated, In order to guard against some difficulties that may arise in the future with regard to the operations of the seaplane stations, we have included in the memorandum, which is the basis of the understanding between the Italian Naval Aviation Forces and your force, copy of which is attached hereto,2 a provision which will allow you to appoint an aide for operations on the staff of the District Commander who will operate the seaplane stations manned by your forces.

3. That Ensign White, as Aide to the Commanding Officer, be stationed at Rome to look after the Headquarters office, that he act as Liaison Officer with the Italian Aviation, and also as Secretary of the organization; that such clerical assistance as may be required be supplied.

4. That a Paymaster be attached to Headquarters organization with such clerical assistance as may be necessary.

5. That Commander Train3 be appointed as your personal representative in Italy, in accordance with your letter to him of this date, copy of which is attached hereto.4

Yours faithfully,

                    /s/ H.F. GUGGENHEIM.