Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-12-27
PROGRESS is
MAOE;C CLEAR
UP "a POINTS
Discussion of Principles
Reveals No Existing
Differences.


American quarters as progressing
very satisfactorily. The president
spent more than three hours be-
fore Lloyd Georges luncheon in
most intimate discussion with the
premier and Foreign Secretary Bal
rour at buckingham palace, going
over the general aspects of the IA
points of his peace program.
No one particular phase was TAX
en- up, but the whole discussion was
general one. No official an
nouncements were made of the re-
suits Of the conference, and after
ward the president continued the
discussions with the noted states
men at a luncheon at Downing
street, and later resumed them at
buckingham palace.
Points Cleared Up.
It was learned today that a great
deal of progress was made in max
ing clear some phases OF the presi-
dents points, which are uppermost
in the minds of the British. prin-
Cipally as regards the question of
British naval supremacy.
At Buckingham palace before the
luncheon President Wilson, the
prime minister and the foreign sec
retary met in one of the rooms of
the presidents suite before cheer
full, open fire, with no secretaries
or documents to lend any air of for
mality to the discussion. It was an
entirely formal conference intended
Tr,ES 10
rects OF the situation.
No Differences in Principles.
The president did a great deal Of
the talking and it was said after
ward that nothing developed to
show that any substantial differ
ences in principle or fundamentals
existed.
The discussion ranged about the
freedom Of the seas. the league of
nations and the attendant PROPOSE
ton of the reduction of armaments.
None of these subjects were dis
cussed specifically or by itself, as
they are considered inseparable in
the final analysis, so the first pur-
pose of the conference was to de-
veiop what might be the differences
of opinion to the point where they
might be clarified.
Finds British Open Minded.
There may be an inkling of the
results attained at today's confer
ences in the addresses which Presi-
dent Wilson will deliver tomorrow
in the Guild hall and on Monday at
Manchester. About all that oan be
said at this time, it is indicated from
American sources. is that the presi-
dent found the spirit of the accom-
modation and open-minded consid-
Grafton which he expected. Today's
conferences are considered as un-
doubtedly the most important pro-
ceedings in the peace conference
negotiations with the exception OF
the actual deliberations at YER
sailles Out of the results of his
personal discussions with the Brit
ish statesmen, the president is re-
ported as quite confident the
groundwork for the further pro
ceedings in Paris will be laid be-
fore he departs from England
The presidents plans for return
ing to France next Tuesday are not
fully matured. If necessary, he
would remain to continue the con-
ferences. The results of today's
meeting swill determine whether
this will be necessary.
Premier Lloyd George, accom-
panied by Sir Maurice Hankey, sec
retary to the committee on Imper-
ial defense. arrived at Buckingham
ing for a conference with Presi-
dent Wilson. The day was dark
and rainy, but a big crowd gathered
before the palace before the prem
ier made his appearance.
Wilson Up Early.
Mr.. Wilson was astir early this
morning and was busy with his
secretary. There were a number
of American callers and the Duke
of Connaught and Sir Richard
HerscheI visited the palace before
the arrival of the premier. A. J.
Balfour, secretary of state for for
eign affairs. walked over from the
foreign office TO attend the confer
ence between Lloyd George and the
president
The company invited to meet
President Wilson for the luncheon
at Premier Lloyd Georges resi-
dence comprised a small gathering
of elderly statesmen, the personnel
including the leaders in the last
and the present government and
the heads of three Of the political
parties, namely Conservative, Lib
eral and Labor.
Leaders Are Present
The luncheon gave occasion for
the first visit by former Premier
Asquith to the premier's residence
since the Liberal leader resigned
his office Arthur Henderson, the
Labor leader. also a guest, is like
wise a supporter of the idea of
league OF nations as advanced by
President Wilson
The presidents conference with
Premier Lloyd George and Foreign
Balfour lasted until close
upon 100 O'Clock. when tho CON-