The Sentinel=record., 1916-12-20

portmity, almost the invitation for Germany to make another cautious advance Which finally may hrin- out the minimum basis O. contention.
 German embassy officials were op- 'i'nistc because tbe British premier dd not fatly refuse to enter into discussion At the same time they deprecated the suggestion that delj- lite peace terms might be set forth in formal notes. The German view as reflected he1e is that nothing can be achieved by public discussion og terms for the reason that each set of beligerents is bound to ask more than it actually expects to receive because there are SO many bellger- onts each striving to gain realization of particular aims in addition to the general plans of the alliance with which it is connected, and because historical precedent shows conclusive y that without direct negotiations and .eX hauge of views by representatives in conference the breach between enemies is not likely to narrow.
 The German view, however is that it is not improbable that Germ. py may. should Great Britain ask it, 5e wiling to make some preliminary statement of principle reeardnq
 elms, especially if failure to take g ch action should be the oniy barrier to the entente agreeing 10 send repre-
 entats es to a conference. On the cher saud great emphasis is placed upon the statement that ii the entente shogld oeciine to send such represen- tai}es to confer with representatives If tEe central powers. Germany and boe allies would regard it as g refusal 70 talk .eacc
 Germany, t is said here will an- swer any note Great Britain and her allies send providing, of course. the communication does not fatty reject the TeutoHic proposal 10 enter in.o pegotati-ns. No secret was made i the fact that Germany will use every means known 10 diplomacy in her ei- Hort to bring about q conference.
 L'nyd-GeCrge's declaration that to otcoqt the German proposals as con taned in the note transmitted tar,ueh the United States would be to put
 our heads in a moose was met in German quarters by the statement that no set of bellieerents would in any way andanger itself by appearing lat a conference to enter into direct uepoliatons Ii was added that if the entente representatives did not
 like developments they ccu'd with Graw immediately. representatives ol Inc ceutral powers reseryn1 the same rieht
 Rc2ardiag guarantees the entente will require for the future and the gen eral subject of the repaarion Ger men diplomats were sure their gov. emment would at least he willing to enter a discussion Germany holds to the view that if one set Of be,iger- ents brings ep the subject of repdra- ti.n, the other may with propriety do eo and that sine would have claim for damage in Poland, Gajicia and East P,ussia. which have suffered from the armies Of the entente. However, Ger many is represented as perfectly will ing to discuss in conference any and all subjects relating to rolaration and it was pointed out that it was cbtaGc" for any belliaerent or set of heI3eorouts. t7 make reparation than to continue the war al .east until next fall when, it already has been an ucunced. Germany again will offer Co enter peace negotiations should the pres 'I' efforts laiL
 The reite.ation in LloyI-George's speech Of BethmannIIollVeg's de- mand for guarantees of a peace that shorld De permanent centered atten- 'ion again on what each party consid- CTS mieb, insure such guarantees. Partial universal disarmament has been mentioned at the German em- hassy here and in dispatches from Berlin. whi.e Ilcyd-George today hint cd at the substitution of ropu.ar for secret diplomacy.
 CONTINTfED ON FACE SFVEN