The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1918-11-01
HOUSE AND BENSON
REPRESENTING u S.
SUPREME WAR COUNCIL READY
TO BEGIN DELIBERATIONS ON
ARMIsTIcE CONDITIONS
HOUSE ACTS FOR PRESIDENT
Colonel Is Eyes and Ears of Admins
tration Abroad, While Admiral Ben
son Win Be Welcomed as Tech.
nicaI Member Of Courici

: Washington, Oct. 26.-Arrival in
France of Col. Il. M. House. President
Wilson's personal representative, and
Admiral Benson, the highest ranking
officer in the American navy. has
cleared The way for the beginning of
such deliberations by the supreme war
council at Versailles as may be neces-
sary 10 frame the draft of an arms-
lice TO be submitted to Germany. The
prem1eres of the allied countries, who
make up the political elements of the
council, can be assembled ut short
notice, but it is presumed their pres
ence will not be necessary until the
military and naval members have ac-
complished their work.
| 1t was said today in official quar-
tiers that Colonel House would not be Il
member of the council at least for the.
present; that he simply is the eyes
ana ears of the president in Europe.
charged with ascertaining the exact
state of public and private feeling i'm
regard to all matters connected with
the war. Possessed of full knowledge
OF this nature. it is believed the presi-
dent Will be even better prepared than
heretofore to deal with every phase of
the complex problems that will arise
as soon as negotiations for an armis-
tice and peace are fully under way.
May Act as conciiiator.
Individual views of the entente DOW
ers are certain TO develop as the re-
suit of the action of President Wilson
In boldly stating the war aims of the
United States; in fact it is understood
mat the president desires to have these
disclosed, at the earliest possible mo-
ment so That united front on these
questions might he presented to the
common enemy by prior agreement
among the countries fighting the CEN
trail powers. Colonel House will be
IN position TO learn these separate
views and perhaps to reconcile appar-
emily conflicting interests and desires
through personal discussions.
May Sit at Peace Table.
Later Colonel House may take a
place at the council table if President
Wilson desires. The president has Il
vote in the council in the disposition
Of political matters, and it is regarded
rs possible that he may delegate this
power to. Colonel House. 1t, has been
suggested, however, that the use of
he term vote" in connection with
he proceedings of the council is mis-
eading. What is meant is rather
voice in the proceedings, for there is
o be no voting in the ordinary sense.
# the word; no question of majorities
n minOrities. The members are
harged to breach freely for discus
ion any subjects they please, and if
NY line of action is deemed neces-
airy each representative will notify
is own government of the general
ense of the council and it will he for
he home governments to give the nee
ssary Instructions.
Benson in Official Capacity.
Admiral Benson's status differs from
lat of Colonel House in that he pre-
ants himself at Versailles in his ca
acity as the ranking officer of the
bly, will be welcomed as an expert
nd authority by the technical men,
ars of the council. No one knows the
ltent of the powers with which he
rs been clothed by the president or
ecretary Daniels, but it is assumed
at he can give any orders necessary
carry out the naval phases Of any
'mistice that is agreed upon 80 far
it may be necessary TO affect the
merican naval. forces in European
aters.
The official copies of President Will
ms latest response to the German
ties, together with the correspon-
nee incident thereto. making in all
separate communications. were not
livered by cable to the entente gov
until yesterday.