New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-28
PARIS OPPOSES SAYS GERMANY
GERMAN OFFER MET u. S.PLEA
Bernstorff Holds Re
ply Is Complete
Acceptance

Washington. Dec. 27.-Count Won
BernstorA'. the German Ambassador,
returning Unexpectedly tonight from
New York authorized the following
statement:
81 regard the note of my government
as constituting an acceptance Of every
thing suggested by President Wilson
in his note to the belligerent nations Of
Europe"
II was made clear at the embassy that
Germany stood ready TO make known
her terms on the first day of any con-
ference that ght be held, and officials
expressed themselves as being greatly
surprised at the view prevailing in
some quarters here that the Berlin
government had failed TO meet the
Presidents suggestions by not setting
down in the reply the terms upon which
il was willing to make peace.
Wilson's Views Fully Met"
The German diplomats said President
Wilson had no intention of drawing
public declaration concerning terms
from the Central Powers. On the con-
trary, they thought the Presidents sug
gestion chat an early occasion be
sought TO call out from all the nations
now at war such an avowsl Of their
respective views as TO the terms upon
which the war might be concluded" had
been fully met by Germany in seeking
an immediate conference with her enc
mics.
The German policy. upon which the
reply to President Wilson's communica-
tion was based. was outlined as fol-
lows:
Germany feels that the conference
suggested by it first should be COM
posed Of delegates from the belligerent
countries. whose duty it would be to
settle territorial terms. Once these
terms are agreed upon, representatives
Of the neutrals should be called in to
participate in consideration Of the
questions Of guarantees for the future,
in which neutrals are as vitality con-
cerned as belligerents.
For Partial Disarmament
These guarantees, in the German
view. would necessarily have 10 do with
the freedom Of the seas, limited dis
armament, formation OF a world league
of nations 10 enforce peace, and the
establishment Of an international court
Of arbitration.
Germany is said to consider that neu-
tral nations can have no interest OF
lstiIg TO territory.
While there were no official adyices
upon the subject. the view still persist
ed in German quarters tonight that
the note OF the Central Powers might
be followed by some highly conhden-
.ial oral or written communication 20
Pres ident Wilson, in which at least
broad tentative terms might be stated.
In this connection officials noted with
interest Berlin press dispatches saying
/ that Ambassador Gerard, who, as a re-
! suit of mis- recent visit to the United
/ States. is thoroughly familiar with
the views OF President Wilson, had
taken luncheon with Alfred thinner
mann, the German Foreign Minister.
and probably discussed the peace stu
alton with him.
Will Visit Lansing
Count yon Bernstorf's arrival in
/ Washington was entirely unexpected.
I lie had not planned to return until to-
morrow. but because OF the situation
deemed il advisable 10 be at the En-
bassy Immediately. Tonight the Am
/ bassador had no specific instructions to
call upon Secretary Lansing. but il is
| not improbable that he will visit the
! State Department within the next few
] days to seek information for his gov
ernment and furnish the Administra-
N Continued On page :. eoIuYn