The Topeka state journal., 1916-12-26
Germany First to Answer Pres
ident Wilson's Note.
Politely Evades Defining Terms
for Peace.
MEET IN SOME NEUTRAL CITY
Can't Discuss World Peace I'm
til After War.
Then Glad to Join L. 5. in "This
Exalted Task"
FEEL ALLIES WON'T ACCEPT
Washington Officials Consider
Basis Too Vague.
All Central Powers Are Repre-
scented in Answer.
Washington Officials Consider
Basis Too Vague.
All Central Powers Are Repre-
scented in Answer.

RerIin. Dec. 26-Ciermany and her
allies-Austria- Hungary, Bulgaria and
TurlSev-today replied to the note OF
President Wilson, in which he asked
the bclligerent nations to state the
aims for which they were fighting. The
prouo-al is made by the central pow
err that conference of the delegates
of all the belligerents he held immedi-
ately in a neutral city. The task OF
preventing future wars, the official
statement says, can be begun only
after the end of the present struggle.
The answer. which also contains the
reply of Austria Hungary Bulgaria
and Turkey, says
The high-minded suggestions made
by the president of the United states
of America in order to create a basis
for the establishment of a lasting
peace, have been received and consid-
cred by the imperial government in
the friendly spirit which was eX-
pressed in the presidents communica-
ton.
The president points out that which
he has at heart and leaves open the
choice OF road.
Suggests Exchange of Views.
ITO the imperial government an
immediate exchange of views seems to
he the most appropriate road in order
to reach the desired result.
"It begz. therefore. in the sense of
the declaration made on December Il,
which offered a hand for peace nego-
tiations to propose an immediate
meeting of the belligerent states at
neutral place.
"The imperial government is also of
the opinion that the great work of pre-
venting further wars can be begun
only after the end of the present strug-
gle of the nations.
1T will. when this moment shall
have come, be ready with pleasure to
collaborate entirely with the United
States in this exalted task"
The answer Of the central powers
concludes with the usual diplomatic
terms of politeness.
Impressions In Washington.
Washington. Dec. 26.-Hasty exam
nation Of Germanys reply to Presi
dent Wilson's peace suggestions, as
contained in dispatches from Berlin,
led one of the foremost adminiStra-
ton officials today to state his belief
that the entente allies will not be sat
isfied to meet the Teutonic proposals.
This official declared he is strongly
Of the opinion that the proposals
would be unsatisfactory to the entente
allies insofar as hope of arranging
peace conference at this time is con-
cerned."
He expressed the view that the al
lies would not consent to a peace
meeting based on any such answer as
was given in the brief reply by Ger
many.
He held that Germany had directly
lodged the request of the United
States for something specific in the
way of peace terms.
Would Settle Terms Secretly.
The German answer squared with
Ambassador Bernstorffs recent state
ment that Germany IS willing to state
her terms at a round table session.
Preliminary examination indicated
to administration officials that the en-
tente allies will be unwilling to join
such a session unless they can get
something more definite on which to
operate.
All officials expressed frank pleas
ure over Germany's very immediate
response to the presidents note.
They declare lit augurs well' since
it means Germany obviously went i'm
mediately to work on her answer
While many admitted they were
tiSappofneed at the absence of Spe-
citic terms asked for. they pointed out
that any peace division at this time
and for some time to come-must OF
necessity be prolonged with consid-
era Bile period, division to be expected
before the belliGerents get right
down To brass tacks."
Officials Arc Surprised.
Officials here are surprised that
C;eruauv's answer to President Will
sons peace note was given out in Ber-
lin before it reached this country in
official form. They pointed out that
in sending his note President Wilson
allowed two days between the time of
its despatch and making it public that
il might first reach the German gov
ernment In the absence of an Off
cial reply, formal comment was with
held at the White House and the state
department
The direct proposal for a confer
ence of delegates at a neutral place
was regarded as a further step than
Germans proposal altho officials con-
sidered it as having been definitely
forecast in the first proffer. Such a
formal offer has repeatedly been men,
toned in authorized statements at the
German embassy here, where the