Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-12-29

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2S.-Ger-
many, it was made known here today,
will not permit the road to peace me-
gotiations to be blocked by refusal
of the entente belligerents to enter
a conference without prior knowl4
edge of her terms.
The central powers are represented
as willing to permit a confidential
exchange of broad tentative terms
through President Wilson should 10
become necessary to do so to bridge
the gap which threatens to prevent
a gathering of peace delegates.
There were broad limitations today
that a statement of this position by
Germany either had been communi-
Gated to the United States govern
ment or soon would be.
The official text of Germany's re-
ply to President Wilson's note ar
rived today and it vas declared that
no confidential communication from
AMBASSADOR Gerard accompanied il.
There are indications, however, that
a confidential statement of Ger
many's position, if made, would come
through the ambassador. 1t has
been announced in advance, however,
that it would not be made public.
Germany, it was said today, is looking
to the United States to make every eff
fort to bring about a peace conference
and to that end is ready to consider any
suggestions from the president. AS the
case stands now. the German govern
ment considers it has met all the sug-
in ho r0raCidanfsS
statement to that effect has been made
by Count Won Bernstorff the German
ambassador.
DEPENDS ON UNITED STATES.
Germany, it is stated. authoritatively,
never has believed: that acting alone, she
would be able to bring about a confer
ence and now that the influence of neu-
trails has been brought to bear, German
officials have taken their view a step
further and believe they cannot be sue
cessful without assistance of the
United States. They believe the United
States. in view of it's vital interests in
the settlement CT the war, would not be
adverse TO participating, because it has
been represented as desiring most of all
to see the peace terms make provision
for the future security of the world
Without participation by the United
would be without effect.
There were intimations today that
Germany's position on all these points
had been conveyed by Foreign Minister
Zimmerman to Ambassador Gerard and
that Germany's terms were probably
conveyed in the highest confidence for
the information of President Wilson.
1t was said today that Germany had
no intentio0 of asking the entente to
make public its terms and at the same
time would not publicly divulge her
own on any consideration. The view
expressed in German circles here is that
the Teutonic terms when laid before
the entente delegates will be such as 10
admit of their acceptance.
BERNSTORFF CONFIDENT.
Count Bernstorff reiterated again
today that he felt a conference would
result from the present situation.
Germany's position is represented as
one of willingness to impart her terms
in a confidential manner first if that is
absolutely necessary to a conference,
but still preferring to reserve them for
presentation at a round table where
they could be discussed with more free
dom.
OFFICIAL NOTE RECEIVED.
The official text OF Germany's
reply to President Wilson's peace
note was received here early
today. So far as was known it
was unaccompanied by any other COM
and was said to be substan-
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