Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-11-15
NOTICE ALREADY SERVED
on ALLIED GOVERNMENTS

NOTICE ALREADY SERVED
on ALLIED GOVERNMENTS
Notice Of this position of the United
States has already been served on the
allied governments. 1t may afford an
example that Will materially lessen the
objections to the plan which have ap-
pearcd to develop in both London and
i'aris within the last twenty four hours
IN the position of Mr.. Asquith in the
Commons. and In certain oapects OF
the French Cabinet crisis
This notice TO the allies consists in
cory of the statement of Secretary
Lansing Oh the appointment of CoIonc!
House to the war conferc.cc. This
Statcmcn; has been cabled to all the
allied governments. The Italians at
least have accepted it as comprc-
htnsivc definition of the position OF the
u3i;cd States. 1t was highly praised
in excerpts from the Italian press re-
ce;ved here to-day.
The state Department, has as yet no
details of the proposed general plan
Colonel House. however, has ample
powers. Should he cable home for au-
thority to accept a proposition OF prin-
ciple or of detail. his request will go
straight to President Wilson and oe
acted upon by him. it is considered
certain that the President will be AL
most wholly guided by Colonel Houses
advice, in view of his forcibly spoken
confidence in the knowledge of Colonel
House OF affairs both at home and
abroad.
II is intimated that very much
more comprehensive scheme than the
s-Wilson Cadorna military COM
mittcc VIII be the outGrowth of the
Paris conference. Officials indicate
that the men representing the United
States abroad are not qualified to rep
resent this country on any such COM
prehcnsive central body
PRESIDENT AND BAKER IN
CONFERENCE DURING DAY
President Wilson and Secretary OF
War Baker held conference TODAY
Ii was reported they had discussed the
permanent representatives OF the
United States in the interailied confer
cncc. Neither Mr.. Baker nor the White
House would discuss the conference.
Among the general officers now abroad
who might be named are Generals
Scott and Bliss and Admirals Benson
and Sims.
Secretary Of the Navy Daniels has
received from Admiral Benson reports
of the utmost Importance concerning
the conferences with the British Ad
miralty preliminary TO the council at
Paris.
Three important agreements have
been reported, Mr.. Daniels admitted
to-day. but declined to give any de-
tails at this time. Full information
of the agreements has been cabled TO
Washington. and naval officers made
no effort to hide their satisfaction at
the degree CT cooperation being at
tanned.
1t is understood that the French also
are taking part. and have placed at
the disposal of the American naval
chicfs-Benson and Sims-all the anti
submarine dcstroycrs which they have
perfected, and the benefit OF all the
experience gained in the three years
of war.
II is learned to-day that Admiral
Benson practically has absolute au-
thority in speaking for the United
States on naval plans.
"lf Il great question arose" said Mr.
Daniels. admiral Benson naturally
would cable Il resume OF the situation
to the department. together with his
recommendation"
In the same breath, however Mr..
Daniels i9timatcd that any rccommen-
dation Of Admiral Bcnson's would be
approved here.
BENSON ESPECIALLY FITTED
FOR PRESENT ASSIGNMENT
admiral Benson he said. "is cs-
pecially fitted for his present duty.
iic has conferred here with the Brit
ish and Frcncl, laval missions. and the
Continued on Second Pagc)