Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-22
What Lansing Said


Mr.. Lansing's first statement, made
orally and Of which no official copy
was distributed, led to exaggerations
Of its language and purpose through
out official Washington. It's most strik-
ing phrases on which the widest spec
ulation was based were that the Unit
ed States was drawing nearer the verge
of war and that the sending Of the
note will indicate the possibility Of
our being forced into the war and
that neither he nor President Wilson
regarded the note las a peace note"
CONSERVATION in Capitol
When word of what the secretary Of
state had said spread throughout the
capital, it created the greatest con-
sternation in official circles and among
the foreign diplomats, many Of whom
were calling at the state department
to receive their copies of the note dis
patched to their capitals.
Second Statement
1t became apparent that the secretary's
statement was not fully approved at the
White House and that there was question
as to the wisdom of making any COM
ment that might be regarded as an adj
dition to the note. The White House was
concerned lest any word reach the for
eign capitals to be construed as indicat-
ing that the American note was anything
but what it indicated on it's face. So,
after conference between President Will
son and Secretary Lansing, the second
statement was formally prepared and dis
tributed at the state department.
Entente diplomats, at first at an utter
loss how to handle the unexpected situa-
ton. became convinced that clearer un-
Outstanding of the necessities anu pur-
poses of the United States proved that
their fear of a move favorable to Germa-
ny was not contemplated, and that this
country would not try to force peace on
Europe. Their view grew that the United
States feared that unless the peace pro-
posals go through now, period Of ruth
lessness and retaliation may set in on
both sides which will inevitably force this
country into action.
Diplomats Advice
It is indicated, therefore; that the al
lied diplomats will advise their govern
ments to view the note in a friendly spirit
and go as far as possible toward meeting
the wishes of the United States.
Secretary Lansing in calling in the
diplomatic representatives of the bel
ligerents is understood to have made 1t
clear to them individually that the
United States expected the replies Of
their governments to be absolutely
frank in all details. The idea was gath
cred that the United States was look
ing forward to forming itself into a
clearing house, at least for views and
probably for terms.
1t Is felt in various diplomatic quar-
tiers that while. statements regarding
terms, especially those concerning ter
ritory, might readily be passed along
by the United States, they must not, If
the negotiations are to have the slight
est chance of success, be conveyed to
the public generally. Should definite
territorial terms be made public. 1t is
feared a certain section of public
opinion in the countries affected would
foment additional embarrassments.
The world diplomatic crisis moved
to Washington during the day, owing
to the Presidents note and the anxiety
of the diplomatic corps to understand
the American purpose. At noon all the
1,;~ nj &c Of thu holl
countries had called at the State de-
partment, necessitating for the first
time in months extreme care to pre-
vent meeting between representative
from hostile states.
The Presidents note was declared TODAY
to be a hit around the whole circle
without intention of favoring or con-
demning either belligerent group to the
prejudice Of the other. Nevertheless GER
tain facts are cited as indicating be-
yond doubt where the chief tension lies at