Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-19
ALLIES MAY SINK
GERMANY'S FLEET
WILSON TO LONDON
Still Sticks to League Of Nations
as Peace Basis; President De-
nics G. o. p. Propaganda.
CONFERENCE STARTS JAN. 10

Paris, Dec. III ne American utie-
gates 10 the Peace Congress have resolved
to advocate the sinking OF the surrendered
enemy warships and resist any proposition
10 distribute them on the basis of naval
losses.
The announcement is made by those
in close touch with the American repre-
srntatives, who it is added, feel that such
position would result IN avoiding con-
tention and materially support President
Wilson'S declaration that the war was
no; based ON aggression or the acquisition
OF property.
After four days Of gathering views OF
leaders in France President Wilson's
closest advisers say he has no reason TO
change his belief that the foundation of a
league of nations Is inseparable IRON the
actual peace treaty itself.
These advisers say that the President
in explaining his definition of 'the free
dom of the seas" will reassure Premier
How'd George that he has no intention OF
demanding a reduction of the British
navy 10 point involving the unsaiety OF
the empire, but will emphasize his feeling
that the plan of league will strengthen
the empire
President Wilson yesterday gave out
the following statement:
'The Paris edition Of the Chicago
tInS morning III uisf'uhsit
credited TO its correspondent at Washing
ton. declared that before leaving for
France gave assurance that | approved
Of q plan formulated by the League to
Enforce Peace. This statement Is entirely
false.
II am, as everyone knows, not only IN
favor Of n league of nations but believe
the formation of such q league absolutely
Indispensable To the maintenance of peace
But the particular plan OF the League TO
Enforce Peace I have never directly nor
indirectly indorsed.
King Victor Emmanuel, who is ex-
pected to arrive on Thursday, already
has been fully advised of the President $
plans through conferences with Count ID
Cellere, Italian Ambassador Il the United
States. but the President will take the
opportunity to make personal explanation
10 the King and also 10 max clear his
friendlness toward Italy.
CLEARING MISUNDERSTANDING
The hope is expressed by those sur
rounding the President that the ex-
changes of views will clear away any
partial misunderstanding which may
exist In regard TO Mr. Wilson's attitude,
and prepare the way for the assembiage
of the conference with complexities re-
moved, so that it will be ready to deal
with principles and any outstanding
differences of opinion that remain.
In all his conferences the President
has taken opportunity to impress hlS
view, it is said by those who are authorized
to speak for him, that no one nation Is
entitled to assume the role of master,
or dictate the manner or the conditions
OF the representations of Others.
There is some indication that con-
siderable Roadway is being made IN this
direction, and that the members OF the
American mission are now seeing their
way clearly. All express the conviction
that delegates will enter the conference
In a spirit of accommodation. and m
specting the organization now rapidly
taking shape.
Mr. Wilson drove in an army motor
car 70 the lace de Ia Concorde, where
all the American activities are center
ed.
Before the Presidents arrival the
American delegates conferred for two
hours regarding general plans, mapping
out work and dividing it into sections.
Progress was reported In the formation
of important branches of work under
the guidance of American professors
who now have practically perfected
their inquiries.
No decision has vet been reached as
70 the NumDer OF CelegaCes WHICH Nui
represent each country, the arrival OF
the British delegates being awaited
The claims of the British colonies 70
participation IN the congress Is receiv-
ing serious consideration. At the same
time IT is feared that unless some limits-
ton is placed on the number OF dele
gates the conference viii become toe
large 70 accomplish results.
II Is understood that the British
government proposes To have five dele
gates at the peace table and that the
United States will have three representa-
tives at the conference.
CONFERENCE DATE JANUARY 10.
The Paris newspapers yariously place
the probable date of the opening Of Tho
peace conference at from January IC
70 January 10. The meetings prelimi,
nary to the conference viii take place
at the ministry Of foreign affairs with
Premier Clernenceau presiding. Prioi
TO this, extremely important confer
ences will be held including one which
President Wilson will have with Davic
Lloyd George, the British premier Mos
satisfactory reports are IN circulation
regarding the interviews Premier Gle
nenoeau and Marshal Foch have hac
with the American President.
President Wilson in a talk this morn
ing with Gabriel Hanotaux, formerly
French foreign minister, dealt exciu
sively with the arrangements for ths