21. In accordance with Black Plan, carry out the following: (a) Issue proclamation prescribing defensive sea areas and put rules in regard to them in force. (b) Issue proclamation prescribing press regulations and establishing censorship of cable and radio, including naval control of all commercial and private radio stations. (c) Issue President's order in regard to visit and search, capture, etc. 22. And as most important, arrange, as soon as possible, plans of coöperation with the naval forces of the Allies for the joint protection of trans-Atlantic commerce and for offensive naval operations against the common enemy. CHAS. J. BADGER. General war plans, as I have stated, had been developed years before under the direction of Admiral Dewey. Among these was the "Black Plan" designated for "war in the Atlantic," really for war with Germany. Revised from time to time as the progress of the European conflict suggested changes, this was constantly kept up to date, and covered thoroughly general policies and operations. The recommendations of February 4th and various others submitted later were for specific things to be done in consonance with the general scheme. A week after the break with Germany, I sent the following to the General Board: February 10, 1917. To: The General Board. Subject: Solution of Problem. 1. The Department desires the General Board to consider the following problem and submit its solution as soon as practicable: PROBLEM General situation--Conditions as at present except that war with Germany is declared. Special situation--The Allies do not desire our battleship force at present. Required--Naval estimate of the situation: first, as to the grand strategy demanded by the situation; second, as to the disposition of the battleship force; third, as to the method of assisting in maintaining communications with Europe, including scheme for coöperation with Allies; fourth, as to method of driving submarines from the sea. Assume--Mobilization of all naval vessels and possibility of mobilizing merchant vessels as required. JOSEPHUS DANIELS. Anti-submarine warfare, coöperation with the Allies, was the keynote of all our plans, as of this "problem," the solution of which the General Board submitted on February 17. We were then, as always, planning "for the joint protection of trans-Atlantic commerce," as the Board expressed it, "and for offensive naval operations against the common enemy." CHAPTER IV THE DAY OF DECISION