Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1943-05-12
Wave|| Attends
Sessions With
Air, Navy Chiefs
Churchill Roosevelt
Talks Shrouded
With Secrecy
Ry T. A FOX
BY ]. A. FOX.

High-ranking British officers
from the Eastern theater OF
operations are in the party of
Prime Minister Churchill, it was
disclosed today at the White
House, causing observers to be-
lieve that this pointed to a new
emphasis in the campaign
against Japan which hitherto
has been relegated to the back
ground by developments across
the Atlantic.
Accompanying Mr. Churchill on
his arrival here last night. it was
announced. were Field Marshal Sir
Archibald P. Wavell, commander in
chief for British military forces in
India; Admiral Sir James Somer-
vile, commander in chief of the
British eastern feet, based at Cey-
Ion, and Air Chief Marshal Sir
Richard Peirse, air officer, COM
mander in chief in India
Their presence here for important
war talks lent weight to the pos
sibllity that Britain and the United
States might be charting new moves
to assist China. perhaps by attempt
ing to pry open the Burma road
again for vital supply artery.
Mr.. Roosevelt has promised that
China will be used as a base for
attacks on Japan itself.
Stilwell Visit Recalled
However, the President and other
officials held conferences here a few
days ago with 1t Gen. Joseph w.
Stilwell, commanding general of the
China-1ndia- Burma theater, and
Maj. Gen. Claire Chennault, COM
mander of the 14th Air Force in
China. Their visit came shortly
after that of 1t. Gen. George C.
Kenney, commander of the Allied
Air Forces in the Southwest Pacific,
and Maj. Gen. Richard K. Suther-
land chief of staff to Gen Douglas
Macarthur.
Gems. Stilwell and Chennault are
still here, and presumably would
join in any conferences affecting
their commands.
The possibility could not be dis
counted that some sort of joint sea,
land and air offensive might be
opened against the japanese, but
there was nothing to indicate
whether that step might be the
dominant major move now con-
templated by the Allies.
Others accompanying Mr.. Church,
i'll for his fifth meeting with the
President we're Gen. Sir Alan Brooke,
chief of the imperial general staff;
admiral of the fleet, Sir Dudley
Pound; the air chief marshal, Sir
Charles Portal (chief of the air
staff; Lord feathers, minister of
war transport, and Lord Cherwell.
paymaster general, who is statistical
officer for the Prime Minister; 1t.
Gen. Sir Hastings l.. Ismay, chief
staff officer to the Prime Minister
in his capacity as minister of de-
Tense, and Brig. E. C. Jacobs, assist
ant secretary military of the war
cabinet.
Constant" Meetings.
President Roosevelt and Prime
Minister Churchill had a long con-
versation last night, 1t was said to-
day by Stephen T. Early, White
House secretary, and he added that
from now there would be constant
meetings between the heads of the
two governments ana between their
staffs
With rumors current that the head
OF the British government could be
expected in Washington momenta-
rily, the White House early last
night announced his arrival
A statement issued by Mr.. Early
said:
Prime Minister Winston Churchill
has arrived in Washington. He was
met by the President on arrival and
will be the Presidents guest for the
duration of his visit. Mr.. Churchill
was accompanied by staff of ex-
perts, military and political
A New York Herald Tribune dis
patch from London said w. Averell
Hartman, American lease-lend ex-
pediter in London, also was in the
party.
Beyond the brief White House
announcement there was no in
formation on the trip, which is
the third the Prime Minister has
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