The Washington herald., 1916-12-23
GERMANY JUBILANT;
LONDON is UNMOVED;
WASHINGTON WAITING
OPTIMISTIC HERE
General Belief Is that Some
Good Will Result from
Note.

Washington became the center Of the
worlds politics last night, as world
diplomacy prepared TO meet the situation
created by President Wilson's initial
peace move. With the Presidents peace
note in the hands OF all OF the beIligerent
governments. and most of the European
neutrsls, the White House ard the State
Department waited for the n,1t move TO
come from the warning nations
Diplomatic circles here were convinced
that no matter what attitude the Ger
might assume toward the Presidents
action, the peace move would bring
about some result which would tend in
the general direction OF peace There
was a well authenticated report in Wash
ington last night that the Presidents
overtures had been favorably received in
Germany and that a reply which would
open the way for further negotiations
might be expected.
TeutOns Would Give Terms.
II was stated on authority close to
the Germany Embassy that Germsny's
cesire for peace is sincere and that the
central powers would be even willing
to submit 70 the United States q clear
upon which they would end the war. This
statement. however, was qualified with
the declaration that Germany would in
sist that her peace terms be kept secret
until a similar statement could be Sc
cured. outlining the peace views Of the
entente powers with clarity and definite
ness.
Developments along this line would put
President Wilson in the position Of media
O. - H.. NsRT1 ~ AZ
least With definite peace proposals from
both sides in his hands. he would Be IN
a position to press for a final settle
ment through negotiation-even though
the terms submitted differed widely.
Germany Ready TO Act.
There was no doubt here last night that
Germany was prepared TO take full ad-
vantage OF the Presidents peace move.
Confidential advices from Berlin told OF
an interview arranged between Ambasss-
dor Gerard. who has returned 20 his post
in Berlin. and the German chancellor.
The interview was stated to be for the
specific purpose OF discussing the pros
poets for pe4ce, and It was accepted here
last night that the conference undoubt-
edly showed Germsny's intention TO make
every effort TO bring about definite peace
negotiations.
Among representatives OF the entente
allies here the peace sentiment was Tar
from optimistic None Of the entente
diplomats would discuss the Presidents
note or its possible effects. Neither would
they venture any assertion as to what
the attitude OF their home governments
would be toward the Presidents proposal
that the objects OF the warring nations
be clearly set forth. All agreed. how
. ever that the note would call for deep
consideration by all OF the belligerents.
and they predicted considerable delay be-
fore the United States could expect dsn-
mite replies from the entente sIlies-
Joint Conferences. Likely.
II is practically certain that no move
will be made by the entente powers untfl
they have considered all angles Of the
peace situation Jointly. II is probable
that these joint conferences will result IN
a joint reply by the enemies OF the cen
trail powers
formed the subject Of much conjecture IN
diplomatic conversations here last night
There was speculation as to whether
they would Join forces and act as a unit
in an effort TO strengthen their position
and hasten peace. II was generally be-
lieved that all OF the neutrals would in
some fashion get behind President VIII
sons peace move, either Jointly or indi-
vidually. Heretofore the closeness Of the
European neutrals TO the war zone and
the danger OF their becoming involved
have prevented them from taking any
CONTINUED on PAGE TWO.