New Britain herald., 1917-04-28
Joffre to Tell Us We Must Train
 at Scenes Of Battle
GREAT LOSS, OTHERWISE
Marshal of France to Issue Statement, Urging United States to Drill Its Heard.

Washington, April 2S.-The military section of the French mission, headed by Marshal Joffre, during conferences continued today with war department representatives, warned the United States that active participation in the war without absolute preparation and previous contact with field operations would invite enormous losses. This became known today after Emile Hovelaque, general counselor speak ing for the mission, had outlined . statement to be made tomorrow by Marshal Joffre to the American press.
 Marshal Joffre will tell you," said M. Hovelaque, "why he has come to the United States, without. of course, revealing any of the negotiations with the American government, which must be regarded as confidential. He will tell you about the French army, con- ditions in France and how the United States can best cooperate in a mill. itary way with the armies of France in the war. He will make clear the fact that this is a war of constant changes of conditions. From week to week everything on nearly every front is altered and moved. An army is like a, lot of animals moving, moving, moving wprking to strike the first blow.
 "You must realize that Americans cannot be trained in this country to play at war. They should be there on the field. Americans should know the things first hand and what war really is before they go into it on a larse scale. Unless America has accurate knowledge of real war conditions, in- stead of play war, it may cost you much.
 ''You will be surprised to learn how rapidly the conditions change. Lieutenant Colonel Remond who probably knows more about artillery than. any man in France, said to me only yesterday: "I am afraid of get ting stale before I get back to France
 Second Day Of Conference. r
 American officials today met mem- bers of the British and French com- missions in the second days series of conferences devoted entirely to dis cussing and deciding definite problems of war without the preliminary grop- ing after phases of mutual under standing. The day promised to de- velop rapid progress in the solution of what the United States is to do to aid the allies most efficiently in beat ing Germany.
 The morning was dvoted to business talks among Americans, British and French behind closed doors at num- Der of government departments, with various experts paired off t0work over particular phases assigned to each.
 Food and financial problems loomed large as the conference progressed. In this connection Germany's recent increasing effectiveness with her sub- marine blockade was given serious consideration.
 Assistant Secretary Phillips ar- ranged a luncheon today for princi- pay members of the French commis- sion and all had engagements to take tea at the French embassy.
 Cabinet dinners were on the pro- gram for tonight by Attorney General Gregory for M. Viviani, Secretary Baker for Marshal Joffre and Secre- tary Daniels for Admiral Chocheprat. These were to be followed by a re- ception of the mission at the Army and Navy club by Secretaries Baker and Daniels. Tomorrow British and French visitors will sail down the Po- tomac on the yacht Mayflower to visit Mount Vernon, as guests of Secretary Daniels.