Moscow Council to Begin Talks On German Economics; Palestine Decree Ends Martial Law Today

MOSCOW, March 16 Secretary Marshall rejected tonight a Russian request for informal discussions on China as the Foreign Ministers Council prepared for a week of discussions on German reparations and economics which many observers said held the key to success or failure of the Four-Power meeting.

Lt. Gen. Lucius D. Clay, newly-appointed dynamic Commander of American forces in Europe, arrived today in Moscow from Berlin at 2:45 P.M. (6:45 A.M. E.S.T.) today to strengthen Marshall's hands in the vital talks.

While Marshall turned down Soviet Foreign Minister Molotov's request for informal talks on China, he offered to exchange with the Russian and British foreign ministers information about the Chinese situation.