Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1918-04-17
Secretary Of War Returns
From His Trip Abroad With
an Intimate knowledge tx
listing Conditions,
KNOWLEDGE GAINED
FOR WILSON'S EAR
Was on the Scene When the
Great German Blow Was
Struck Presence Served to
Expedite Matters,
ray Sosnno JOURNAL SPECIAL LEASED Wr-sl

Washington, April t6.--Steeled to
the work ahead of him by personal
knowledge of conditions at the battle
fronts in Europe, Secretary Baker re-
eurned 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 forces I'M
der the command of General Foch, the
French commander-in-c chief.
on his arrival carly today at az
Atlantic port he authorized this state
ment:
81 returned with a sense of pride
and confidence Mt the achievements OF
the United States and allied troobs
abroad that would Justify many trips
across the water"
Whatever direct information the
secretary may have as to the plans ot
General Foeh VIII be for the etr OF
President Wilson alone. Officials
familiar with the circumstances of his
conferences with the British and
French authorities and with General
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 oxpe-
dte greatly the decision to pool all
allied resources in men and munitions.
Baker Approved Pooling.
The prompt action of General Per-
shng in placing his men at General
Foch's disposal is known to have met
with Mr.. Bakers hearty approval.
The French general made a deep i'm
preston on the secretary, who Is
known to share fully President Will
sons belief that victory can only
spring from a unified command un-
der such a leader
During his trip, Mr. 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 she'll exploded
close to his automobile an on another
occasion he stood in the window of
battered building behind the-allied line
to watch high power missiles tear
great craters in a field less than
hundred yards away
While the battle of Picardy was IN
it's opening stages, his party passed
along the whole British line, covering
zoo miles in two nights and day or
motoring.
Later Mr. Baker saw another phase
of war. In Italy he visited Venice. He
found 1t deserted city, its streets and
canals flanked by palaces and art
works of priceless value, were desert
ed. An occasional soldier and mere
and there a lingering civilian were
the only people of whom the party
caught sight. Only one store. a lace
shop, was noted by the party as being
open To the few persons who remain
in Venice, the American consul has
become guide and helper. The Amer
loan Red Cross is caring for them
through him.
Mr.. Baker sailed for Europe on an
American cruiser He returned on
famous liner, formerly German, but
now an American transport. The only
incident was radio call yesterday
from burning steamer, which the
transport changed her course to an
swer. otherwise the party would have
landed twelve hours sooner.
Ban On Casualty Lists
The only question on which the sec
retarv exercised his authority as head
of tho war department during his abb
sence related to the publication of IN
formation concerning the troops In
France and their activities. he CAP
led instructions tht all sucht inform
alton should be given out from tne
headquarters of the expeditionary
forces. Mr.. Baker went abroad con-
vinced that the publication of casualty
lists in this form originally used was
harmless. He was quickly convinced.
however, bv the wisest military adj
visers in Europe that valuable inform
alton could be furnished to the enemy
in this way and it is very evident that
General Pershing's will is to govern
hereafter al that is given out ABOUT
Tho activities Of the troops in France.