The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-05-15
FRENCH AND BRITISH
PREPARING TO LEAVE
conferences Between European Conn
missions and United States VIII
End shortly.
MACHINERY IS NOW UNDER WAY
French Leaders Impress On President
Necessary of Early Military Ex-
pedition-Signor Arlotta Puts In
His Appearance.

Washington, May 1.-THE present
week will see the end of the confer
ences between the French and British
high commissions and the United
States government. With hearts
warmed and spirits glowing from the
receptions accorded them. the French
and British missions returned to the
capital. the former from tour OF
the country, the latter with tho
cheers of Manhattan still ringing in
their ears. Immediately they got
down to the hard work which will
mark the final sessions with American
officials. Vice Premier Eiviani and
Marshal Joffre both had long confer
ences with President Wilson in the
course OF the afternoon. and the mar
shall also was closeted with Secretary
of War Baker.
Demands for their presence in
France and England, respectively,
have increased to such an extent that
NJ. Viviani. Marshal Joffre and Mr..
Balfour feel their visits must soon
end. No arrangements for their de-
parture have yet been made and none
will be made public. Each mission
will leave behind a group Of experts,
who will carry on further conferences
with officials of this government.
Nations VIII Cooperate.
Complete military and economic CO.
operation between the United States
and the entente powers will be the
outgrowth of the sessions here. Pres
ldent wilson and his cabinet officers
and war chiefs were told what part
the United States could best play in
the winning of the war That part
was to supply the allies with ships
and food. and with men TO fight in
the trenches, and vessels to fight sub
marines
Already the machinery is under
way whereby tfie-tniteti States will
supply these requirements. The con-
ference OF the French lea at the
White House today is said to have
been for the purpose of again urging
on the president the necessity Of an
early military expedition to France.
Despite the opposition of general
staff officers. II is possible that Ameri-
can troops WEI he sent over within
SIX months a definite decision has
not been reached, IL was indicated
today. bu, the cabinet is declared to
be favorable to any plan within rea-
son which will aid the morale Of the
French as their officers have declared
he presence Of the Stars and Stripes
On French soil will do
One Of the most important results ~
he sessions is an agreement concern
ng blockade measures. Not an ounce
~ food is TO be allowed to reach Ger
many and the United States and enteu-
= are declared 10 he In entire agree
uent az to the methods which Will he
escorted TO II necessary to prevent
cage Of supplies through neutral ma
ions
May Ask for FmbmrEoe~
State department officials today de-
1led reports that embargo nea sures
we're In contempla ton a gainst Sw-ltzer-
and at this time. buC the state depart
neut is making no effort to conceal the
'act that congress Will be asked to
authorize eiuhargoes against neutrals
Z necessary
An important naval conference was
,eld today between Secretary Daniels
ma Admiral Chochreprat. ranking Of +
lcer OF the French navy Admiral
BENSON. CHIEF of operations and other
american Officers were present The
'art Of the American navy will play
n the war has been definitely planned. /
was learned TODAY. SiEnor Arlotta, /
minister OF transport and conmunica-
ions in the Italian cabinet, Ia already
iere and accompanied by Ambas sador
'elleri Will have an informal confer ,
nee with Secretary Lansing tomorrow.
The leader Of the Italian mission Due
fCdine, is due here within A short /
ime. He will he accompanied. IL is
expected. by Guglielmo Mareoni, now +
N Italian senator