Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1917-04-24
FRANCE SENDS
COMMISSION To
DISCUSS PLAN s

WASHINGTON, d. c., April "a
The state department announced this
morning the safe arrival of the French
commission which has been sent to the
United States to confer with repre-
sentatives of the allied nations in the
arrangement of definite plans whereby
America will take an active part in the
European struggle.
The French commission includes
some of the most notable figures of
France, being headed by Minister Of
Justice ViEiani, who embodies the
highest type of French democracy
Marshal Joffre, one of the greatest mil
itary figures of the present war, is an
ether member of the commission, while
Vice Admiral Choprat is also one of
the representatives of the French gov
ernment.
General Joffre Is the only man In
France since the Franco-Prussian war
to bear the illustrious title of Mar
shall of France" His services have
been placed at the disposal of the
United States, whom he comes to adj
wise as to the best way to organize.
discipline, equip and perhaps transport
to Europe the greatest army the Unit
ed States has ever called into being.
Vice Admiral Choprat has most
intimate knowledge of naval ordnance
ard is said to know as much of sub
marine warfare as any man in the
French navy.
United States naval men are anxious
to consult him with regard to plans
for trapping German submarines.
The conferences between the repr-
sntatives of the allied governments
and the United States commissioners
will be commenced within few days,
as soon as the other delegations arrive
in Washington.
The British commissioners, who
have taken quarters in the national
capital, have already made some pre-
liminary arrangements and are ac-
Guainting themselves fully with the
exact status of affairs as regards the
entrance of the United States into the
European conflict.
The British commission announced
that its purpose in coming to this
country was purely one of cooperation
and the direction of the conferences
would rest largely with the American
government. At the same time Amer
ican officials convinced the British that
this country is fully dedicated to ev-
cry possible effort against the COM
mon foe.
MIR. Balfour, it also was stated, will
make several public statements during
his stay as to the English point OF
view and will attempt to remedy any
misconceptions he may find existing,
Vice President Marshall invited him to
address the senate but it is improba-
BILE he will appear before congress,
unless, perhaps, with French Minister
of Justice viviani. Arrangements are
being made for him to see members
Of the press Wednesday.
Last nights dinner at the white
house was the climax OF an eventful
day. Mr.. Balfour, British Ambassador
Spring Rice and all the ranking mem
bers of the British commission We're
invited to meet the president and Mrs
Wilson, the members of the cabinet,
] Chief Justice White. the advisory COM
nittee of the council of national de-
fense, Secretary Tumulty and Miss
Helen Woodrow Bones, cousin of the
president. At the same time other
members of the commission were be-
ing entertained at dinner at the Six
teenth street mansion occupied by Mr.
Balfour's immediate party.