New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-15
President Undecided on
Course, but Plea to
Allies Is Expected
ENTENTE ENJOYS
MODIFY ATTITUDE
Fair Consideration of Ger,
many's Proposal Now
Is lntimated

Washington. Dec. 14.-The belief
grew stronger here to-day that If in
forwarding the German peace proposals
the American government did not &C
company them with more than a formal
note of transmission, later, in some
way, 1t probably would indicate its in
terest in having peace reestsblished as
soon az possible. Meanwhile the
American diplomats in the Entente
countries will be expected to keep the
government informed Of official views.
Both the German and Austrian notes
arrived to-day, and broad limitations
were made az the Entente emba sizes
that the proposals would not be fatty
rejected without examination.
Germany's note substantially the
same as the published texts. arrived
by cable In the early hours Of the
morning, and just as the State Depart
ment was closing for the day Austria's
note arrived Secretary Lansing said
that it was identical with Germany's
and that neither contained any change
in meaning from the semi-official YER
sions.
Wilson Undecided
II was stated officially that neither
Germany's nor Austria's note would be
forwarded before tomorrow, If, in
deed, then, and there was no outward
indication that the President had made
up his mini what action, II any, he
would take in transmitting the Central
Power proposals 10 the Entente bel
ligerents.
So far as is known. the President has
not disclosed his attitude TO any OF his
advisers. The only official word forth
coming at the White House was that he
still was studying the question closely,
and had not reached determination on
the steps to take. lie did not discuss
the question with callers to-day, but is
expected TO take il up at least in
formally tomorrow with his Cabinet.
II would be within the range Of diplo-
matte courtesy for the United States TO
go all the way from a mere formal
transmission OF the belligerents' notes
without comment or suggestion 10 an
actual discussion with an expression Of
the point of view of this country.
When, with the announcement Of the
German proposals two days ago. it APP
peared that the Entente Allies were
inclined TO reject the offer fatty, It
appeared very doubtful II President
Wilson could find way to add a word
of mediation in transmitting the notes.
With the apparent moderating Of that
first attitude, as reflected in the British
newspapers and among the Entente
diplomats here, the way seems easier
for the President TO express in some
way the hope of the United States that
the proposal for a discussion Of peace
will not be rejected without considera-
tion.
Neutrals to Support United States
In such step there is likelihood
of the United States being supported
by some of the European neutrals. The
Minister of one of them to-day asked
his government 10 authorize him 10
assure the President of Endorsement in
such a move, and II Is believed others
are considering the same phase Of the
situation.
The Spanish Ambassador, Mr Riano.
and the Swiss Minister, DR.. Ritter, both
conferred to-day with Secretary Ian
sing. Their governments also are act
ing as Intermediates in transmitting
the proposals. Whether they discussed
lNe prospect OF neutral COuEtIb was
not disclosed, but the impression pre-
vailed that in the absence Of decision
by President Wilson the subject was
scarcely more than touched upon.
The change in the attitude of the
Entente embassies. however, was re-
garded as the most interesting develop
ment pointing to the probable position
of the Allies II was indicated that to
avoid being placed in the position Of
fatty rejecting peace overtures without
knowing what is proposed. it was not
improbable that after mature deliDera-
ton among themselves the Allies would
make reply, inquiring upon what basis
discussion was suggested. Such an
action by the Allies. it was pointed out,