The Washington herald., 1917-04-24

army and navy. Maj. Gen. Bridges was
presented to Secretary of War Baker by
Chief Of stan Gen. Hugh l. Scott: and
Admiral William 5. Benson. chief OF
naval operations. presented Admiral de
Chair to Secretary OF the Navy Daniels.
The first matters pertaining to the war
to be taken up by the commissioners re-
lated to the plans for use Of the American
navy. ths possibility Of sending American
troops to Europe. and the arrangements
by which the ss.OooOooOoo to be- provided
the entente by this government shall be
distributed. The army and navy plans
are to remain secret.
Bismisses Natai Affairs.
Admiral de Chair, in his conference
with Secretary Of the Navy Daniels and
Admiral Benson. told the American otti-
eials briefly how the American navy can
best cooperate for the destruction OF
the German feet Of submarines. Although
no definite alteration Of policy resulted.
1t was said that certain important in
formation had been received
The first discussion as to whether an
American army shall be sent to Europe
within one year was Begun at the con-
ference between Gen. Bridges, Secretary
Of War Baker. and Gen. Scott. Geoffrey
Butler, an attache Of the British foreign
once. and spokesman Of the Balfour
commission. last night announced that
no important conferences would be held
today. .s
In view Of ths'fact that we desire to
await the arrival Of the French commits
sion bsfore getting too far into serious
discussion Of the war problems, and be-
cause OF the necessity of certain cour-
tesies. the first meetings Of length prob
ably viii be held on Wednesday, he
said.
"The work to be done by the British
commission has been assigned to various
members.
work Il Allotted.
"At meeting Of the commissioners late
yesterday at the embassy each member
vas allotted 10 certain work. which win
be taken up as quickly as possible
when We get down hard to work. all
the information dealing with the British
soyernments war secrets VIM be placed
at the disposal OF the American officials.
All the data upon any subject will be
freely placed 1T their disposal TO be used
by them as they see fit."
No EntanEIine Anianees.
s-Fifr Egtier made It plain that there will
Is no s1ort made by the British commits
sion 70 fofn an ''entangiing alliance
With the IT ID States. Any agreements
= rft nay latsr be entered into shall be Of
uipsrsry nature only. he said, de-
ae5 to 81 sure the best interests Of
h nAtlohs during the period OF the
<sTe have hot come over here with the
ttp60tati01 nat any formal alliance or
aBreemsnt e any kind would result" he
aid
y .sIl.s purpose of the commission % Is
merely to transmit information to this
government as to the mistakes that were
made by Great Britain In the early stages
Of the war so this country can avoid
those mistakes-if American officials con-
slider them mistakes"
The widest possible publicity Is to be
given the actions. intentions and views Of
the British commissioners. Mr.. Butler
last night arranged for a series OF con-
ferenees by newspaper men with the
commissioners, to begin today with Gen
Bridges. Mr.. Balfour Is to receive news
paper men tomorrow, and Admiral de
Chair probably Thursday. The others
will give Interviews later, one each day.