The Washington herald., 1917-05-01
British Mission Will Remain
10 Days More Than Planned
Discussion of the Serious Eco
nomic and Industrial Stu
alton IN Germany Probable
Cause of DELAY.

Important diplomatic and economic de-
velopments connected with the war
against Germany that may develop short
ly will keep the British commission in
consultation with officials Of this govern
ent for ten days longer than was eI-
pected, it was learned last night
The political potentIalities were talked
over conhdentially by President Wilson
and Foreign Minister Bslfour at dinner
e; the White House last night The
subject OF their discussion has not been
learned
The President and Mr. Balfour were
alone together from o'clock until 1880,
when they left the White House TO at
tend an official reception at the Pan
American Building in honor OF the
French mission. The President and Nj.
Balfour walked into the building togeth-
er. After the reception. President Will
son returned to the White House alone.
Situation in Germany.
Arrangements were made late yesterda y
for the head Of the British mission 10
take dinner privately with the President
At the same time. Geoffry Butler. Of
fici I spokesman OF the British commits
sioners. announced that they would re-
main in Washington ten days longer thar
they had expected 10 be here
That the serious economic and indus
trial situation in Germany is the cause
of the change in plans is the general
Opt; in official circles crisis is
expected to be reached today in Ger
as well-thst may result in the over
throw or the government
The lack of means OF receiving official
information from the Central Powers as
to the true conditions there has p-eyented
any survey OF known accuracy Of the con-
0itions there TO be made by officials here.
Further evidence was received by the
State Departfent that a strong national
effort will be made by Socialists in Ger
many during the general strikes. which
have been called for today. TO overflow
the Imperial government and declare A
republic. Reports. which were not made
public. were received yesterday from
American diplomats in close touch with
Germany.
Germany Shields Facts.
The situation in Austria and in Swe-
den, which has been markedly pro-
German, is just as serious. General
strikes have been ordered in Austria Hun
gary, and demonstrations in favor OF
the entente allies are to be held in
Sweden.
The fear OF the governments OF the
central powers OF the strikes to begin to-
day is so great that painstaking efforts
have been made in Germany and Austria
Hungary TO prevent news OF the true
situation there from reaching outside ma
tions. Official information TO this effect
has been received BY the State Depart
ment. The department late yesterday is
sued the following announcement re-
garding this:
"A telegram to the Department OF State
from The Hague. dated April ., conveys
the report that for the preceding six days
German subjects had not been permitted {
to leave Germany for Holland. This
measure. it is stated. was intended to pre-
vent the spread OF information concern
Ing the strikes in Germany"
1t was officially admitted yesterday that
the top may blow OF in Germany with
in a very short while" The true situa-
ton there is unknown in America.