The Spectator. (Ozark, Ark.) 1911-1916, 1914-09-15
WASHINGTON STARTS
PEACE PARLEYS
INFORMAL TALK BY REPRESENT
TATiVES OF POWERS TO DETER
MINE WLHELM'S WISHES.


days an informal inquiry from the
United States government as to
whether German desires to discuss
terms of peace with her foes. On the
tenor of the reply depends to some
extent whether the informal peace
movement, inaugurated a week ago,
can be pursued further
The inquiry is not a formal one. but
was an effort to determine whether
Germany's reported willingness to
talk peace was based on fact.
The story of the seNen-days-of-peace
talk. as told by some of the princi-
pals, substantially is as follows;
Talk Starts In Washington.
Saturday-Count Won Bernstorf,
German ambassador dined with
James Speyer, the banker. at the lat
ter's residence in New York Oscar
Straus, American member of The
Hague tribunal and former cabinet Of
ficer, was present. The ambassador
said that while he had not had ad-
vices from his government since
leaving Berlin, he recalled a CONVEX
sation with the imperial chancellor in
which the latter said he believed the
emperor would be willing to discuss
peace through mediation. Mr.. Straus
asked and received permission to re-
Bryan at Washington.
Sunday-Mr Straus conferred with
Secretary Bryan. The secretary later
communicated with the president. Il
was decided to get the German ambas-
sador's consent to forward a report
to American Ambassador Gerard for
discussion with the German Foreign
Office. Mr.. Straus was advised to
talk the situation over with the Brit
ish and French ambassadors here. lie
saw each that day.
Monday-The German ambassador
reached Washington and conferred
privately with Mr.. Bryan. The sec
rotary cabled Ambassador Gerard to
convey to Emperor William an in
Quiry from the American government
as to whether he desired to confirm
the statement reported to have been
made to the imperial chancellor.
Copies of this cable were sent 20
Ambassador Page at London and Am
bassador Herrick at Paris. Mr..
Straus talked with the British and
French amba ssadors, both of whom
said they could make no definite state
ment without Instructions Both the
French and British ambassadors re
ported the incident unofficially to
their Offices.
Tuesday-Secretary Bryan told the
British ambassador, Sir Cecil Spring.
Rice. what had occurred and learned
the ambassador had made inquiry ot
his government to learn it's attitude
toward peace.
No Temporary Truce Desired.
Wednesdays Edward Grey dis
cussed with Ambassador Page the IT.
quiry from Secretary Bryan. Sir Ed,
ward cabled the British ambassador
here that as Great Britain, France
and Russia in the preceding week had
agreed not to make pence without
common consent, the position Of the
Triple Entente was unanimous. Sir
Edward said the powers wanted no
temporary truce, but permanent
peace in Europs so that the world
would be insured against the sudden
outbreak OF war after Germany had
recouped herself and that before the
subject could be considered seriously
definite terms would have TO be sub.
mitted.
Thursday-The French ambassador
called on Secretary Bryan and dis.
cussed the French point of view. Am
bassador Herrick reported the earn.
est wish OF France that there might
be peace, but pointed out that until
the French had driven the invaders
from their territory and Belgium had
been compensated, terms could not he
negotiated. Ambassador Pages report
OF his conversation with Sir Edward
Britain. according to Ambassador
Page. is determined to make no
peace until German militarism has
been crushed. On the same day came
personal messages from Emperor
William and President Poincare OF
France concerning the use OF dumdum
bullets.
Friday-President Wilson and Sec
rotary Bryan determined to await the
reply of the German emperor to the
inquiry sent on the previous Monday
bofore acknowledging personal mes.
sages from Emperor William and
President Poincare. Should the Ell.
peror's reply be favorable. the presi.
dent may express a hope that the
atrocities complained of may be
ended through the making OF peace.