The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-01-11
Has Been Studying Hard While
Waiting for Meeting.
Food Question Is One of the
Big Problems Ahead.
DECENTRALIZATION IS ANOTHER
This Is Prob00Iy the Most Acute
of All To Come.
Boundary Disputes and Nations
Claims Come Up.

= Paris, Jan. 11.-Proolems of great
Importance have been occupying Presi-
dent Wilson's time while he waited for
the opening of conversations with the
premiers of the allied nations. He has
5 been devoting himself to close study
of the food situation, the acute ques-
ton of rehabilitation and the extent
to which he will support the claims
*of nations at the peace congress.
: American participation in allied inter
Vention in Russia and Poland and
Z movements are problems also consid-
tered but they are not looked upon as
paramount at this time.
1t is understood that Mr.. Wilson
has informed Premier Orlando of
s Italy as to his attitude relative to
fItalian aspirations east of the Adriatic
1t may be said that the presidents
decisions as to this question can be
I described as only a partial endorse
! ment of Italys claims He is not
expected to approve Italian domina-
+ ton of the Adriatic, but he will proba-
. bly, support Italy's demand that her
. eastern coast be made safe from mill
: tary threats. Jugo-Slav claims have
kalso received earnest consideration.
The Food Question.
: There IS a collateral issue in con-
nection with the food situation which
: vitality concerns the economic situa-
7 ton in the United States and which
Z has not been as yet fully worked out
/, Large contracts for food supplies in
Z the United States were cancelled very
4 recently by. France and Great Britain.
France after coming to an understand
= ing of the fact that American farmers
{ had been spurred to food production
by the promise that their crops would
surely be marketed at good prices, was
s willing to renew some of these con-
s tracts but negotiations with Great
! Britain have not been so far success
full. favorable outcome is hoped
for. however. but If the British con-
tracts cannot be continued it is plain
to experts here that some other mar
! ket must be found for the immense
! quantities of foodstuffs produced in
: the United States in response to con-
tinued appeals that the allies must
be fed.
1t is pointed out that American con-
sumers have borne the burden of high
prices partially for the reason that
those prices are necessary to stimulate
production. Exports to neutral coun-
? tries may open a way for relieving the
E situation. To that end negotiations
= are underway for partial relaxation
: of the blockade.
As to Decentralization.
The rehabilitation problem is
proba bly, the most acute of all. It is
so delicate that it is not openly dis
+ cussed but recent incidents in Eng
: land caused by the unwillingness OF
: British soldiers to return to the con-
E tinent are regarded here by Americans
and others as an Indication of what
4 might be cause for grave apprehen-
sion Some military men feel. it is
understood, that the withdrawal OF
American troops from France might
bring demand from French soldiers
to be returned to their peace time
employment.
: President Wilson is studying this
condition, the importance of which is
not to be underestimate. He is try
2 ing to find a way by which an agree
mcnt may be speedily reached which
will restore the nations project from
1 the actual making OF peace. He i:
: understood to feel that they are in
) separable and are not to be disso-
< ciated under any conditions