The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-27
He Talks With Lloyd George,
Premier of England.
Results Are Said To Be Salts
factory From Start.
DISCUSS The PEACE POINTS
Met Informally This Morning
at the Wilson Suite
And Continued the Talk During
the Afternoon.

London, Dec. 27.-President Will
sons conferences today with British
statesmen are described in American
quarters as having been very satisfac-
tory. The president spent more than
three hours before Premier Lloyd
Georges luncheon in most intimate
discussion with the premier and For
eign Secretary Balfour at Buckingham
palace, going over the general aspects
of the four points of his peace pro-
gram.
Afterward the president continued
the discussion with the British states
men at the luncheon in Downing street
and later resumed them at Bucking-
ham palace. 1t was learned that
great deal of progress was made in
making clear some phases or the pres
ident's points. which are uppermost
in the minds of the British, principal
1y as regards the question of British
naval supremacy.
At Buckingham palace, before the
luncheon, President Wilson, the prime
minister and the foreign secretary met
in one of the rooms of the presidential
suite, before cheerful open fire, with
no secretaries or documents to lend an
air of formality to the discussion. 1t
was an entirely informal conference
intended to develop the most intimate
aspects of the situation.
Wilson Main Talker.
The president did a great deal of
the talking and it was said afterward
that nothing developed to show that
any substantial difference in principle
or in fundamentals existed.
The discussion ranged about the
freedom of the seas. the league of ma
tions and the attendant proposition of
the reduction of armaments. None Of
these three subjects was discussed
specifically or by itself as they are
considered inseparab1e in the final
analysis, so the first purpose OF the
conference was to develop what m1Ent
be the differences of opinion to the
point where they might be CHARMED.
Wilson Will Talk.
There may be an inkling of the re-
suits, attained at today's conferences
in the addresses which President Will
son will deliver Saturday in the
Guildhall and on Monday at Man
chester About all that can be said at
this time, it is indicated from Ameri-
can sources is that the president
found the spirit of accommodation
and open-minded consideration which
he expected. Today's conferences are
considered as undoubtedly the most
important proceedings in the peace
conference negotiations with the eX-
ception of the actual deliberations at
Versailles. Out of the results OF his
personal discussions with the British
statesmen. the president is represent
ed as quite confident the ground work
for the further proceedings in Paris
will be laid before he departs from
England.
The presidents plans for returning
to France next Tuesday are not fully
matured. If necessary he would re-
main to continue the conferences. Tie
results of today's meetings will deter
mine whether this will be necessary.
\ Distinguished Company.
The company invited to meet Presi-
dent Wilson for the luncheon held to-
day at Premier Lloyd Georges resi-
dence comprised a small gathering iof
elder statesmen, the personnel includ-
ing the leaders in the last and the
present government and the heads of
three of the political parties, Con-
servative, Liberal and Labor.
The luncheon gave occasion for the
first visit by former Premier Asquith
to the premier's official residence since
the Liberal leader resigned his office.
Arthur Henderson. the labor leader,
also a guest is likewise supporter of
the idea of a league of nations as
advanced by President Wilson.
Great Crowds Greet Him.
The presidents conference with
Premier Lloyd George and Foreign
Secretary Balfour lasted until close
upon 1880 o'clock when the conferees
left in separate motor cars for the pre-
mier's rec. 'ence in Downing street.