AMERICAN PREPARATIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3331, 16 January 1918, Page 16

AMERICAN PREPARATIONS.

Mr Baker, United States Secretary for War, told tho Senato Military Investigation Committeo that tho United States army now comprises 110,856 officers and 1,428,650 men in transportation and training at a speed that was unprecedented. There was a substantial army now in France. The army's spirit was high, and tho dcathrato was lower than in civil life. Mr Baker added: <: More- has been done than anybody believed would be accomplished. It will depress the German morale when it is realised that wo havo not blundered and not hesitated, but havo brought our full power in men and resources quickly against Germany. No army of a similar size in tho world's history was ever raised and equipped, so quickly." Mr Baker stated that tho United States army in France_ is ready for active service. Arms and clothing

arc now available to equip the entire 1918 forces. The ship production of the United States last year totalled 800,200 tons gross, which was double the 1916 output. The submarines laet year sank 5,000,000 tons. A Bill will be introduced providing for compulsory whcatless and meatless clays. SPECIAL MISSION TO WASHINGTON. Official: Lord Reading has been appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary on a_ special mission to Washington. An official announcement explains that Sir C. Spring-Rice is on leave and Lord Reading has been appointed High Commisioner, in tho character of an Ambassa,dor and Extraordinary Plenipotentiary with a special mission. Lord Reading, as High Commissioner and Special Ambassador, will have full authority and over all British missions sent to the United. States in connection with the active prosecution of the war. Lord Northcliffe will remain in London as chairman of the London headquarters of the British War Mission to the United States.