Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-12-26
NEUTRAL NATIONS
EXPECTED TO ACT
IN AID Of PEACE
Washington Looks for Gen
eral Endorsement of
Wilson'S Move.
COUNTRIES TO FOLLOW
SWITZERLAND'S LEAD
Overenthusiastic Approval by
Sweden Might Prove Embar-
RAISING Rather Than Helpful.
NoRwAy's COURSE OF INTEREST
Dean OF Westminster Criticizes Pres
idcnt'S Proposals in Christ
mas Day Sermon.
[specialto The Times-pispatcr.

Especial TO The Times -Dispatch1
WASHINGTON, d. c., December c5.-
Washington tonight prepared for a
general chorus OF Endorsement by the
neutral nations OF the world of Pres
ident Wilson'S move toward peace i'm
Europe. The nature and form of the
Swiss note. pledging support TO the
Presidents peace policy. was accepted
as practically guaranteeing prompt
action by the other neutralS. Wash
ington diplomats declared that the
Scandinavian nations could he ex-
pected TO fall into line behind the
Presidents proposals. and it was
stated authoritatively that Sweden
would probably forward an indorse-
ment. following closely the form of the
Swiss note. within few days.
Unofficial advices from hen. Switz-
erland, stated fatty that the Swiss
Federal Council understood be-
fore dispatching their note that a
similar communication to the belliEer-
ent powers would be Forthcoming from
Sweden at once. Diplomatic circles
here declared that the report was
we'll worthy of credence. and that tho
diplomatic situation was shaping Ia
self In the direction OF a general in
dorsement of the Presidents hemnnd
on the helligcrents without loss of
time.
EXPECTS SWEDEN TO
INDORSE WILSON'S STAND
w. a. F. Ekcngren the Swedish min
tster. while he said that he had not
heen officially notified by his govern
ment that pence note was on It's
way or I'm the course OF preparation,
he felt confident that Sweden would
indorse the Presidents stand. Sweden
for more than year has been active
In her efforts to secure some concert
OF action among the neutrals in their
dealings with the belliGereuts.
Minister Ekengren some time ago
sought to secure the cooperation of
the United States In a peace program
to be forwarded by the neutral ma
tions. but President Wilson declined
TO enter any ''entanglinE alliances" ut
that time. Since the German peace
proposals were forwarded to the en-.
tente powers. Sweden. where sentiment
is generally pro-German. has been
more than ever anxious for peace me-
Rotiations.
SWEDEN MAY BE CAUSE
OF SOME EMBARRASSMENT
the Presidents proposals by Sweden at
this time. administration officials said
tonight. might prove embarrassing.
rather than helpful. The accepted pro-
German tendencies in Sweden, it was
stated. might serve to further com.
piicate the difficulties which President
Wilson's proposal confronts in the en-
tente nations. because It was for
warded $" closely on the heels OF the
German peace advances. For this rea-
son, there was feeling that the cause
OF ultimate peace might he better
served. IL other neutral nations, not so
closely identified with the war zone.
came forward TO the support Of the
President before Sweden's note was
sent Whether any general under
standing among tho neutrals of the
world as to the time of forwarding
their notes approving the Presidents
course has been arranged could not
be determined tonight Such an un-
derstandinG. If 1t exists. will probably
delay Sweden's communication until
some OF the other ncutrals have stated
their views.
WILL WATCH WITH INTEREST
THE ATTITUDE OF NORWAY
Washington Will watch with deep
interest the course to he taken by Nor
way. Since the beginning OF the war
Norway has been at odds with the Teu-
tonic powers. She has suffered heavily
from submarine warfare. and her SYM
pathies have been largely with the
entente allies. An Endorsement OF the
Presidents plan by Norway would go
far toward making clear that the
Presidents peace move is one by all
the neutrals, and is in no way con-
nected with the German peace pro-
poSals
Secretary Of State Lansing did not
visit his office to-day, and he an
n"unced that no dispatches Of import.
ancc were received during the day.
DEAN OF WESTMINSTER