New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-21

enough to offer conditions which can
be accepted by the Entente Allies and
that she will not attempt to take adj
vantage OF the negotiations 10 cool the
martial srdor Of her adversaries and
10 SOW dissension between them.
In this connection we should re-
member that, if the Allies agree 10
An armistice for the discussion Of the
terms of peace, the interdict Of the
trade with Germany will still be IN
force. so that every delay will exhaust
the supplies Of the Teuton allies. THIS
NAV be the reason why Germany de-
clareS she does not ask an armistlce
pending the negotiations.
IL is 10 be hoped. however, that an
armistice will be agreed upon before
the powers enter into a discussion OF
terms. Otherwise they might never
agree. and the war continue ndehn-
itely.
German Attitude in Doubt
II is hard to tell whether Germany
is Offering peace as a victor TO satisfy
public opinion in Germany and
throughout the world, or whether she
recognizes that she must ultimately
be beaten and now sues for peace. put
ting the best face upon affairs she -
able. II the Allies could look upon
that as the true situation. II would
be their place TO state the terms.
BY asking Germany 10 state her
terms, they seem 10 lose the advantage
OF claiming that Germany sues for
peace. Il is evident also that they
themselves do not feel confident OF
their ability IN the near future 10 I'M
pose their own terms on Germany.
Otherwise they would not hesitate 10
proclaim their conditions.
Yet Lloyd George was very careful
not 10 mention any terms which Ger
many might have considered as HUI
initiating ultimatum. Another sig
nificant action on Germany's part was
her concliatory attitude in regard 10
Captain Blake. whom she did not
ruthlessly condemn. like poor Captain
Fryatt.
Entente Spirit Unbroken
The refusal to enter Immediately
upon the discussion Of the terms OF
peace will serve 10 demonstrate TO the
world that the spirit of the Entente
Powers is not broken and that they
are ready one and all 20 fight on.
When We consider. Furthermore. the
evident anxiety Of Germany 10 prevail
upon the neutral powers 10 exert their
influence for peace, the prestige OF
GermanyS military achievements be
gins 20 fade before the more brilliant
light OF the vast group of peoples
united against Germany.
After the receipt of the Allies reply
Il will be Germany's move again with
a better outlook for peace, but the sit
uation is most delicate. II Germany
states terms which will appear reason
able 10 neutral opinion, she may. il IS
true. secure some support from those
quarters. but any such terms are likely
TO appear rank treason TO the German
people. who are contemplating the
glorious victories OF their armies.
On the other hand, il Germany states
terms which will appear reasonable e
her own people and afford her wide
margin for bargaining, she IS likely IN
appear as unreasonable and arrogan;
in the eyes of the Entente group, and
stimulate them TO renewed martial ef-
forts.
L. is not likely that Germany would
fall into this trap. She could easily
avoid il by offering 10 disclose her
terms confdentally TO some trusted
go-between, who might communicate
them in the strictest confidence 10 the
Entente Allies. Being unofficial, the
terms could be easily dissvowed in case
the pledge of secrecy should be broken
At the present time. or in the next few
DAYS, some such procedure may be I'M
dertaken without any publication to
draw our attention to what is going on.
Germany has one great advantage in