The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1919-01-11
WILSON BUSY
WHILE HE WAITS
Closely Studies Food Situa-
ton, italian Claims, Ques-
tion of Demobilization.
LATTER MOST ACUTE
Withdrawal of U. s. Army
May Cause Restlessness of
French Soldiers.

Paris, Jan. liza. P0--Problems
of great importance nave been occu-
pying President Wilson during the
time he has waited for the opening
OF conversations with the premiers
Of the allied nations. He has beer
l.devotlng himself to close study of the
food situation, thesacutc question Of
rehabilitation and the extent tc
which he will support the claims II
Is expected Italy will make at the
ton in allied Intervention in Russia
and Poland or other countries, and
the bolshevist movement are prob
lens also considered. but they are not
looked upon as paramount at this
time. 1t Is understood that Mr.. VIII
son has informed Premier Orlando OF
Italy as to his attitude relative to
italian aspirations east of the Adri-
attic. 1t may be said that the presi-
dents decision as to this question
can be described as only a partial
Endorsement of Italy's claims. He is
not expected to approve Italian domi
nation of the Adriatic. but he will
probably support Italy's demand that
her eastern coast be made safe from
military threats. Jugo- Slav commu-
nications also have received earnest
consideration.
Not Fully Worked Out.
There is collateral issue in regard
to the food situation which has not
yet been fully worked out. Largo
contracts for food supplies in the
United States were Cancelled very re-
Gently by France and Great Britain
France, after coming to an under
standing of the fact that American
farmers had been spurred to food
production by the promise that theil
crops would surely be marketed al
good prices, was willing to renew
some of those contracts, but negotia-
tions with Great Britain have not sc
far been successful. A favorable out
come is hoped for however, but il
the British contracts cannot be con-
tinued. it is plain to experts here that
some other market must be found
for immense quantities Of foodstuffs
produced in the United States in re-
sponse to continued appeals that the
allies must be fed.
It is pointed out that American
consumers have borne the burden ot
high prices partially for the reason
that those prices are necessary tC
stimulate production. Exports tc
neutral countries may open a way for
relieving the situation. To that end
negotiations are under way for par
tial relaxation of the blockade. %
Demobilization Most Acute.
The demobiliZation problem Is
probably the most acute of all. II
is so delicate that it Is not openly
discussed, but recent Incidents in
England caused by the unwillingnesS
of British soldiers to return TO the
continent are regarded here by Amer
leans and others as an indication oi
what might he cause for grave ap-
prehension. Some military men feel
il is understood, that the withdrawal
of American troops from France
might bring a demand from French
soldiers to be returned TO their Deace-
time employments. President Wilson
is studying this condition. the impor
tance of which is not TO he under
estimated. He is trying TO find a
way by which an agreement may be
speedily reached which will restore
the nations TO n peace basis and still
not separate the league of nations
project from the actual making OF
neace. He is understood TO feel that
they are inscnarahle and are not "a
be dissociated under any conditions