The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1918-12-20
WILSON LEARNS DETAILS
OF ITALIAN DEMANDS

PARIS. Dec. 20.-President Wilson
spent the most of today comforting with
Italian statesmen. and considering the
claims that Italy will lay before the
peace conference. Early in the day Mr.
Wilson conferred for some time VITA
Premier Orlando and Foreign Minister
Sonpino, of Italy, who explained In de-
tail their Countrys ambition. The pres
ident has expressed warmest sympathy
with Italy's aspirations, but has not
committed himself fully as to his views
After the conference Mr. Wilson went
over material presented and compared
1t with data collected by Col. House,
who spent some time in attempting
to determine what in his opinion,
should be Italy's legitimate claims. Mr.,
Wilson frankly told Premier Orlando
and Baron Sonnino that lie did not
know what Italy should receive, but
added that he intended to support ac-
tion that would be just.
The program for the day also in
cluded a reception at the Murat resi-
dence of the ambassadors and minis
leiS accredited to France. The cere-
mony-one of the most Colorful and
dignified to take place during Mr.. VIII
sons visit to Paris-was scheduled to
begin at pm, The majority of the
members of the large diplomatic corps
here had never met the president and
all were eager to greet him personally.
While the diplomatic corps was be-
ing received committee from the
French senate waited to formally well
come the president to France and give
expression to the cordial sentiments
and bonds of friendship between the
two republics. Because of this en-
gagement previously arranged lunch
con with Stephen Pichon, foreign min
lister, was Cancelled.
Plans for Mr., Wilson's visit to Eng
landSare being arranged by the Amer
Jean embassy. Details of the trip TO
1t was said today, 1t is understood
everything except the route to be fol-
lowed and the exact time of arrival
on British soil has been settled,
Paris took another holiday today be-
cause of the arrival OF Victor Emman-
uel and HIS son, the prince Of Piedmont
The reception given the Italian SOW
ereign was not as large as that which
marked the arrival Of Mr.. Wilson. but
II was fully as enthusiastic -s,.
The eordiality shown at the meet
ing between Mr.. Wilson and King Vic
tor Emmanuel yesterday was a sub
ject Of much comment by those who
were present, The president had been
somewhat concerned as to the event,
not knowing that the Italian king
speaks English. After the exchange OF
greetings the two statesmen came to
a mutual understanding and during
their conversation they could be seen
smiling and gesticulating in the most
friendly manner.
1t is probable that members of the
American peace delegation will hold
informal conferences with Premier Or
lando and Baron Sonnino for the pur-
pose of gaining personal knowledge OF
their views, which have been explained
IN preliminary way by Count di Gel
lere, Italian ambassador at Washing
ton. This will go far toward laying the
groundwork for consideration and de-
termination of Italy's claims in actual
conferences later.
Mr.. Wilson's first week in France
Is drawing to close with his advisers
feeling that much has been accom-
plshed in a preliminary way toward
establishing personal relations with
statesmen with whom the American
delegation will have to deal Organiza
tion is now appearing out of the con,
fusion which prevailed during the first
few days after the presidents arrival.
Various sections of the American mig
sion are settling down to the work
which must be done before the early
part of January, when the first ses-
slons OF the peace conference are held
President Wilson's plans for visiting
London while not yet positive, contem-
plate that he will leave for England
next Thursday, Dec, 26 He probably
VIII remain in England four daYs