The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-06-09

clerical force.
 The American residents of London and various British organs have prepared an etensive programme of entertainment for the American party but it is doubt ful if much of it will be carried out, IS General Pershing, before being informed of the plans, expressed a desire that there be minimum of anything in the nature Of celebration of social char acter. The entire contingent devoted it. self to the hardest kind of work of an organizing nature throughout the jour ney, and the whole atmosphere of the mission is that of men embarking on a grave enterprise with the deepest realiza- tion of it's difficulties and demands.
 Among those taking an active part on the various committees of entertainment for the American contingent are Mrs John Astor Mrs Whitelaw Reid, Mrs. w. Wilton Phipps and Mrs. R. Craig McKerrow and Washington Wood, Al merle Paget and L. w. Blackwell.
 AMERICANS SURPRISED
 The Americans were surprised to learn of the elaborate arrangements for their entertainment made by their country men and women and also of the plans made to facilitate their work. The pri- yates in the contingent will be the guests of the British army in the barracks in the historic Tower Of London.
 Everything from automobiles to money exchange office was ready for the convenience of the Americans. and soon the officers and men were scattered over the city on business and in sightseeing. At their hotel the American officers met many British and Canadian officers. Everywhere from the port of arrival to London the American and British officers scrutinized each other with professional interest, each sizing up the other.
 KEEN FOR BUSINESS
 While the Americans are keenly inter- ested in their new surroundings and the sights of the country, they are giving themselves to the business of war. There is no atmosphere of an excursion jaunt about the trip. 1t has been work and work of the hardest kind With them since they boarded the transatlantic steamer In civilian clothes afer she had lett her pier in an American port.
 The officers in the contingent came from various stations in tle United States and the business of staff organiza- ton, with its various branches, which begun only after they met on shipboard. yThe days on the ship were given to staff work and studying the French language.
 General Pershinl laid to the Associated Press that he a his fellow officers were anxious to ct into harness at their base in Fran e as quickly as pos sible.
 STIRRING SCENE
 The formal welcome to the Americans oa the landing stage was a stirring scene. A guard of honor composed of Royal Welsh Fusilliers was drawn up at the landing with a regimental band. After General Pershing had been introduced to the military officer in command of the port he inspected the guard of honor while the band played ''The Star-Spangled Banner.
 The only civilians who met General Pershing were representatives of news papers General Pershing said to the As sociated Press;
 The trip has been ueiIghtful, partic- ularly the latter stages, when We were escorted through the danger zone by our own destroyers. Speaking for myself and sy staff, we are glad to be the
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