New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-21
Collapse of Russia and
Italy Makes Need
of Aid in Field
Imperative
Council Meets
British Premier Says
Success Depends on
Quick Completion
of American Ships


LONDON, Nov 20.-More American
ships and more American soldiers were
urgently appealed for by Premier Lloyd
George when the American War Mis-
sion and the British War Cabinet met
in their first conference at Downing
Street to-day.
"The collapse of Russia" said the
Premier, "and the recent reyerses OF
Italy make il even more imperative
than before that the United States
should send as many troops as possible
across the Atlantic as early as possible.
| am anxious to know how soon the first
million men can be expected in France"
The Premier explained that British
chipping was now wholly employed in
war work, partly for the Allies, partly
en- the British account, adding;
Assuming that the submarine situa-
tion gets no worse, the easing Of the
position of the Allies depends entirely
upon the dates on which the American
programme for the launching Of the
G,OOO,O tons Of shipping promised for
1918 comes into practical effect. l
have no doubt that with the largest in
dustrial resources Of the world, a most
highly trained and adaptable industrial
population and an exceptional national
gift Of organization the accomplish.
ment of America in the matter of ship
building will astonish everybody"
Tribute to L. s. Aviators
Dealing with the airplane situation,
the Premier said:
Command of the air in the battle
line is almost as essential as command
Of the sea. The people of the United
States possess TO an unusual degree
qualities of enterprise and daring nec-
essary to the creation Of successful
airmen. The American climate also
lends itself to the development of the
air service, because it is clearer and
more equable than the climate Of the
British Isles. This is Of special value
because the training of pilots, the crea-
ton of flying units ard the building
Of airdromes are az essential TO the
creation Of an air service as the build
ing Of airplanes themselves"
Referring to food, the Premier ssid\
that the Allies were becoming increas-
ingly dependent upon what the North
American continent could produce and
economic in the use of food. He as
sured the mission that the most dras-
tic restrictions were about TO be i'm
posed upon the people Of We British
Isles, ptrtly in order TO assist the Al
lies, partly in order 70 leave more
room for the carriage Of men and mu-
nitions TO the battle fronts. The Pre-
mier said he regarded the tightening
of the blockade as Of next Importance.
"Close cooperation between the
United States and the powers Of West
ern Europe can bring still greater eco.
nomic pressure TO bear on the Central
Powers during the war" he said.
The Premier then thanked the mis-
sion for the great services rendered by
the United States navy.
Admiral Benson Replies
In reply, Admiral Benson. on behalf
Of the mission, said that the mission
was learning many lessons from the
Allies, and expressed the gratitude Of
its members for the manner In
which all sources Of information had
been thrown open to them.
"The United States is heart and soul
in the war" he said, "and the country
absolutely indorses the statement OF
President Wilson that none Of its re-
sources would be spared, its men and
ships, or work, in order TO win the
war"
Admiral Benson then gave the con-
ference information as TO what the
United States has done and is doing,
not only in training armies, in building,
fleets and in the manufacture Of mu-
nitions, but in food economy and the
construction of aircraft.
George Refers to Revolution
In opening his speech the Prime Min
ister said:
ut is a source Of great satisfaction
10 my colleagues and myself that this
gathering Of two nations, now equally
educated TO the common task OF defend
ing the liberties Of the world, should
take place in the very room in which
the statesmen Of an earlier and less en-
lightened period committed the blum
Gers which had estranged them.'
The Premier had in mind the meet
ing which occurred in this room. where
momentous action had been taken with
respec. 20 the American colonies nearly
$50 years ago.
This conference" the Premier con-.
tinued, "is business gathering-ths
elimination Of hard. patient, unobtru-
sive work done between the members
f the mission and the various British
departments. Its purpose is to deter
mine how the United States can best
cooperate with Great Britain and the
other Allies.
Like Britain, the United States is
a pacific power, and she therefore has
had IN build up war organization