Arizona republican., 1918-04-17
BAKER BACK FROM FRANCE CONF DENT
 ON WAR SITUATION
Republican A. p. Leased wireI

 WASHINGTON, April 16-Steeled to the work ahead of him by personal knowledge of conditions at the battle fronts in Europe, Secretary Baker re- turned to his desk at the war depart ment tonight from his trip abroad.
 There is no doubt that he believes measures to checkmate the German effort will come out of the pooling of all allied and American resources un- der command of General FOch, the French commander in- chief.
 Presence In France Fortunate
 on his arrival earl ytoday at an At lantic port he authorized this state ment:
 T return with sense of pride and confidence at the achievements of the United states and allied troops abroad that would justify many trips across the water"
 Whatever direct information the sec retary may have as to the plans of General Foch will be for the ear of President Wilson alone. officials fla miliar with the circumstances of his conferences with the British and French authorities and with Generals Bliss and Pershing. regard it as a most fortunate thing that he was on the scene when the German blow was struck. His presence served to eXpe- dite greatly the decision to pool all allied resources in men and munitions.
 Approves Action of Pershing
 The prompt action of General Persh- ing in placing his men at General Foch's disposal is known to have met with Mir. Bakers hearty approval.
 The French general made a deep impression on the secretary who is known to share fully President Will sons belief that victory can only spring from a unified command under such a leader.
 During his trip, MT. Baker visited England France and Italy and saw the battle fronts. He has been in the American front line trenches under fire; once a German shell exploded close to his automobile and on another occasion he stood in the window of battered building behind the allied line to watch high power missiles tear great craters in field less than a hundred yards away
 Venice Nearly Abandoned
 While the battle of Picardy was in its opening stages. his party passed along the whole British line. covering 200 miles in two nights and a day of motoring.
 Later MT. Baker saw another phase Of war. In Italy he visited Venice. He found deserted city, it's streets and canals flanked by palaces and art works of priceless value, were desert- cd. An occasional soldier and here and there lingering civilian were the only people of whom the party caught sight. only one store, lace shop, was noted by the party as being open. To the FbT ,,, American consul has become guide and helper. The American Red Cross is caring for them through him.
 Liner Answers Radio Call
 MT. Baker sailed for Europe on an American cruiser. He returned on a famous liner, formerly German, but now an American transport. The only incident was a radio call yesterday from a burning steamer, which the transport changed her course to an- swer. Otherwise the party would have landed 12 hours sooner
 The only question on which the sec retary exercised his authority as head Of the war department during his ab- sence related to the publication of in- formation concerning the troops in France and their activities. He cabled instructions that all such information '''pHiN DN SlNtu Oul ITOfn the ne1u- quarters of the expeditionary forces. NIT. Baker went abroad convinced that the publication of casualty lists in the form originally used was harmless He was quickly convinced, however by the wisest military advisers in Europe that valuable information could be fur nished to the enemy in this way and il IS very evident that General Pershing S Will is to govern hereafter all that is given out about the activities of the troops in France.
 Phones to President
 NIT. Baker did not go to the White House but reported his return to the president over the telephone. Later he had long conference with Majol General March. acting chief of staff and Provost Marshal General Crowder He said the present system of giving out casualty lists would be continued adding that he had learned a good dea about the subject in France and con. sidered the problem a comparativel, simDe one.