Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-08-10
WASHINGTON OFFICIALS DISCUSS
PLAN WITH MEMBERS OF
ROOT MISSION.
PRESIDENT CONVINCED
HELP Is DEMANDED
Declaration of War Against Austria
Not Necessary Prelude to Sending
Expsdi.i0nary Force to Eastern
Front-Plan OF Sending Troops to
Italy Not Being Considered.

Washington, Aug. 1U.-ProDapiilly
that the United States will send an ex-
peditionary army to Russia increased
following conferences between MEM
bers Of the Root mission and govern
ment officials.
There were strongest indications that
Mr.. Root, Major General Scott, Ad-
miral Glennon, and their associates had
convinced the president and his war
advisers that the United States should
send an army to strengthen the falter-
ing Russian line.
Officials yesterday who refused to
prediction in the course Of senate
speech that the next big expeditionary
armies will go to Russia and Italy to-
day discussed the question without re-
serve.
Secretary of State Lansing made the
most significant utterance:
"The United States has been serious
ly considering the question OF sending
troops to Russia he declared.
No Need For War on Austria.
In discussion with officials 1t was
brought out that a formal declaration
Of a state Of war against Austria need
not necessarily be a condition prece-
dent to the sending Of an expeditionary
army to Russia!
A large part OF the Russian front is
opposed by German troops alone and
it was pointed out that American
forces might be sent to this part Of the
fighting line without affront to Austria,
with whom the United states is not at
war.
While there were no indications that
the plans for sending troops to Russia
contemplate a declaration OF war on
Austria, some officials high in the gov
eminent believe the United States and
Austria are drawing nearer to state
Of war.
They argue that Germany might
persuade or force Austria into war
against America il American troops
are sent to join Russia on the eastern
war front.
No Troops to Italy.
Distinction Is made by officials mere
between the Russian and Italian situa-
tons. italy is opposed solely by Aus
TRANS. and, furthermore, has more
troops than can possibly be sent to the
altitudinous fighting terrain where the
fighting proceeds. Therefore there is
little consideration being given to an
Italian expedition.
An expeditionary force to Russia. 1t
is conceded, does not present the dan
gers nor threaten the losses In trans
portation such as face the government
in moving expeditionary armies thru
the U-boat zone to France.
Shipping difficulties however, pre-
sent serious problem, II the United
States is compelled to rely on its own
facilities, but there were intimadons
that Japan might be called on to aid
its European allies and this govern
ment by providing transports to take
American forces to Russia. The land
transportation in Russia, while serious,
was held to be not insurmountable.
Good Rail Facilities.
The Root mission travelled over the
trans Siberian railroad from Moscow
to vladiyostok. This Is an eight~day
trip, but the line is in condition to
move big volumes of troops. The road
is double tracked and is capable OF
moving all the troops the United
States could send II equipment IL
available.
No definite action will be taken until
Russia formally asks the United States
to send troops as the French and Brit
ish earlier requested.
. Thus far this formal official request
has not been given, but it Is assumed
that Mr. Roo: and his mission have
been commissioned to speak for Rus
sia's needs. and that il the United
States decides it is feasible to send an
army to Russia the forma! request will
be forthcoming.