The Fargo forum and daily republican., 1918-12-20
(By Associated Press.)

(By Associated Press.l
Paris. Dec. 20.-President Wilson's
plans for visitinng London, while
not yet positive, contemplate that
he will leave for England next
remain in England four days.
Details OF the trip to London are
being worked out by the President
in consultation with Colonel House,
Capt. Andre Tardieu Frenh high
commissioner to the United States
and members of the. American en-
bassy in London. The President
will start for London Immediately
after he has Christmas dinner with
the American troops in the field.
The President will not return di-
rectly to Paris but it is expected he
will visit the devastated regions OF
northern France and Belgium. 1t is
expected he will be back in Paris
about Jan. on the eve OF the first
meeting of the inter-allied confer
ence on Jan. 6.
Claims of Italy
President Wilson spent most OF
today comforting with Italian states
men and considering the claims that
Italy will lay before the peace con-
ference. ..-.
lister SonninO explained in detail
their country's ambitions.
After the conference. Mr.. Wilson
spent some time in going over ma
teriaI presented and comparing 1t
with data collected by Col. p. Nj.
House who spent some time in at
tempting to determine what, in his
opinion, should be Italy's legitimate
claims. Mr. Wilson frankly told
Premier Orlando and Baron Sonnino
that he did not know what Italy
should receive but added that he
intended to support action that
| would be just.
The progress for the day. also iH-
eInded q asn&ption at the 8TArat
residence of the ambassadors and
ministers accredited to France. The
| ceremony-one of the most colorfui
to take place during Mr.. Wilson's
visit to Paris-was scheduled to be-
gin at 5 p. m. The majority of the
members Of the large diplomatc
corps had never met the President
and all were eager to greet him per-
sonally.
While the diplomatic corps was
being received, a committee from
the French senate waited formally
to welcome the President to France.
Because of this engagement pre-
viously arranged luncheon with
Stephen Pichon, foreign minister,
was cancelled.
Paris Welcomes King
Paris took another holiday today
because of the arrival of King Vic
tor, Emmanuel and his son, the
Prince of Piedmont. The reception
given the italian sovereign was not
as large as that which marked the
arrival of Mr.. Wilson but it was full
ly as enthusiastic.
The cordiality shown at the meet
ing between Mr.. Wilson and King
Victor Emmanuel yesterday was a
subject OF much comment by those
who were present. The President
had been somewhat concerned as
to the event. not knowing that the
king speaks English. After the ex-
change of greetings the two states
men came to a mutual understand
ing and during their conversation
they would be seen to be smiling
and gesticulating in the most friend
ly maner. 1t is probable that mem
bers of the American peace delega-
ton will hold informal conferences
with Premier Orlando and Baron
Sonninio. This will go far to lay
ing the groundwork for considera-
tion and determination of Italy's
claims in actual conference later.
Mr.. Wilson's first week in France
is drawing to a close with his ad-
visers feeling that much has been
accomplished in a preliminary way
toward establishing personal rela-
tions with statesmern with whom
the American legation will have to
deal. Various sections Of the Amer
lean mission are settling down to
the work which must be done before
the early part OF January when the
first sessions of the peace confer
ence are held.
Not Negotiated Peace.
The opening meeting OF the inter
allied conference will be, confined to
representatives of the allies and the.
United States who will arrange a
common basis Of action for the for
NAL sessions OF the peace congress
which will open toward the middle or
latter part OF January. Tt is expected
that the German delegates will then
be present for the first time. It is
pointed out that this Is not negot-
lated. peace but a victorious peace
based on virtual unconditional sur
render, in which the enemy has been
compelled to give up all demands.
The main purpose OF the preliminary
conference beginning early in Jan
uary is to arrange a commofront for
for the peace congress.
For that reason the conferences
going on between the President and
Premier Orlando OF Italy and later
with Premier Lloyd George in Lon
don have an important bearing on
this preliminary adjustment.
Count Rornanones, the Spanish
premier arrived in Paris today. He
comes for a conference with Presl-
dent Wilson and representatives OF
the allies.
Washington-Ma prices on
copper will expire Jan. ! and viii not
be renewed, 1t was announced today
by the price fixing committee OF the