The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-02-20
This Is Revealed in Speech Explaining Resignation
 of Chief of Staff
REPRESENTATIVES OF UNITED STATES ASKED |U NIFTY OF ACTION
Sir Willia m Robertson Wanted Versailles Plan Modified and Had
 to Go

London, February lJ.-Ihe British prime minister, in a statement before the House of Commons today on the de cisions of the supreme war council at Versailles, paid high tribute to the plan submitted by the American representa- tives.
 If should read the document sub- mitted by the Americans" said MT. Lloyd George, "there would be no need to make this speech. The case is pre- sented with irresistible power and logic"
 Gen. Tasker H. Bliss. the American chief of staff. represented the United States at the war council. He was at- tended by Arthur H. Frazier. secretary of the American embassy in Paris, who acted as diplomatic officer to report the proceedings.
 POLICY OF ALL ALLIES
 The policy adopted by the supreme war council. Premier Lloyd George de- clared, was not the policy of the British government alone, but of all 5the great allied governments In cotcert. There is absolutely no difference between our policy and the policy of France, Italy and America in this respect" he said.
 The premier's statement was made m- medately upon the conclusion of the questions in the House when the army estimates were introduced. This gave him an opportunity to explain the changes in the chief of staff and the various important matters decided upon at the Versailles conference.
 QUESTION OF POLICY
 He was loudly cheered when he said he hoped that whatever he said today would be treated as a question of policy and not of personality. If there had been any delay or apparent hesitation of the government, it was not because there was any doubt in the mind of the administration with regard to their poll icy, but because they were extremely anxious that the decision when an- ncunced should be free from any element of personality.
 The government had been anxious to retain the services of Gen. Sir William Robertson as chief of staff so long as that was compatible With the policy on which they had decided In common With the allied governments after prolonscd consultation at Versailles. and 1t was ! matter of deep regret that it was foune impossible to retain the service Of SD distinguished a soldier.
 ROBERTSON OFFERED PLACES
 The premier explained that Generai Robertson had been offered the position as the British representative at ver- sailles or the post which he, has held as chief of staff under the limitations fixed by the war council. He had de- clined to accept either.
 With respect to the extension of the powers of the supreme war council. said the premier, several proposals had been put forward and carefully examined. Finally at the suggestion of the Frencn premier, M. Clemenceau, the representa- lives of the various governments met separately, and later submitted the pro posal of each of the governments
 As a remarkable fact these proposals were virtually identical and with few minor changes the decision of the war council was reached with complete sunanimity.
 The general result of the speech In the crisis, which, few days ago seemed the most serious Lloyd George has en- countered cannot be estimated in the absence of any test vote by the House of Commons It was noticeable to those who heard MT. Lloyd Georges crucial speeches in the House that the cheering which greeted his entrance was com paratively subdued and that the ap- plause which followed his speech was cold demonstration beside others of it's kind.
 The premier announced that General Sir Henry Seymour Ralinson had been appointed to represent Great Britain on the supreme war council at Versailles.
 PRESIDENT WANTED UNITY
 Washington. February 1s.-Frank ad- mission by Premier Lloyd George today that the convincing demand for unified military effort under a single directing body had come from the United States confirmed the impression that has pre- vailed here since the proposal to send the mission headed by Colonel House to Europe first became known. It was known unofficially at that time that President Wilson had become convincef that the allied cause stood in grave dan- ger unless central body could pv erected with authority to initiate vizor- ous warfares based on well digested plan of strategy that covered all fronts.
 The President was determined that the United States should not waste It's strength in the war. but should. with the co-belligerents, wage an offensive battle of the most vigorous character. The Presidents military and naval Ad- visers had strongly urged upon him tho
 tCeatinuea on Pare Twsl