(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 than any other one thing, for when material once arrives in a European port it has been, and still is, a very difficult matter to arrange for coastwise transportation.

[Sidenote:  Creditable progress.]

(d) Taking into consideration the necessary scope of the project, the difficulties inherent in providing for establishments on foreign soil, and the delays which the magnitude of the undertakings caused in the production and shipment of material (and personnel) from the United States, the state of progress is considered highly creditable to Captain Cone and to his assistants.

VI.  Y.M.C.A.  AND SIMILAR ACTIVITIES.

[Sidenote:  Y.M.C.A. activities.]

(a) It was satisfactory to note that in practically all cases—­whether our own naval facilities provided reading, writing, and amusement facilities for the personnel or not—­the Y.M.C.A. was in evidence.  Their arrangements were, in many places, all that could be expected in the way of cheerful and comfortable quarters; and, in those places where the facilities were not so good, inquiry usually revealed the fact that a suitable building was either under way or soon would be.

[Sidenote:  Knights of Columbus.]

(b) In at least one place the Knights of Columbus were found established in a commodious building with all in readiness to duplicate the character of the work generally associated with Y.M.C.A. activities.

(c) All assistance of this character, from whatever source, has been gladly taken advantage of by the officers in charge, and is much used and appreciated by the men.