The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-03-22
UNOFFICIAL PEACE
TALK WIDESPREAD
Washington Heas Berlin Asked &C.
rHra Not 10 Take His vacation
At This Time.
GERMANY i 10 RARGAIIN
Willing to Aid m Rehabilitation "
Belgium, and sugsests That Ante-
I3elIum Territorial Status ne Adj
hered to In Peace Terms.

New York. March 2t.--The Even
| Ing PoAt publishes the following
from David Lawrence, its correspon-
dent In Washington:
Washington, March 21.s-Germany
n seekfng to make peace with her
enemies and bring the great war in
Europe to an early end.
70 far as to intimate to the United
States government that the time may
be ripe for the services Of the larg-
est neutral nation In the beginning
of peace negotiations.
Some general idea sven Of the
terms under which this Teutonic en-
pire would be willing to make peace
have been given within the last four
days TO the American ambassador.
James W. Gerard. BY DR.. Won Beth
mann Hollweg, the Imperial Cham
celior, at Berlin. and spokesman Of
Emperor William.
The Evening Posts correspondents
learned the above today In connection
with the hitherto unpublished fact
that DIR. Won Bethmann- Hoflweg,
four days ago, sent for Ambassador
Gerard. and not only. discussed with
him for nearly an hour tho poesibili-
ties Of peace in Europe. but also
frankly advised the ambassador. who
would be inopportune for him to
leave Germany at this time. Mr.. Ge-
rard promptly. changed his plAns ana
notified the washington government
that he would remain at his post In
definitely.
The American ambassador had on
three occasions been given leave of
absence. but only a week ago did he
accept the privilege. He had not
been handling the Tsusitanis negcti-
ations because OF Germany'x desire
to address the American government
through Count Won Bernstorff, the
German ambassador at washington,
and matters were running smoothly
enough in the American embassy to
permit Mr.. Gerard 70 leave Berlin
without embarrassment 70 the United
states government
The German government. however.
did not look upon Mr.. Gerard's pro-
spective departure as of such Incl
dental Importance. On learning that
the Ambassador was preparing to
leave Germany the Imperial Chancel-
lor. who had previously conferred
with Emperor william. summoned
Mr.. Gerard to the foreign once. The
American am bassador had no mat
ters pending with the German gov
eminent, and tho fact that he was
invited immediately caused consider
able comment In the small circle In
Berlin where -yhe fact became known.
Discussion Most Friendly.
The discussion was Of the most
friendly and Intimate nature. not only
as affecting the relations Of Germany
with tina United States. but with re-
spect to peace In Europe. While not
referring directly to- the reSignAtiDn
of Admiral Won Tfrpitx N Z factor
in the sttuAtion the Chancellor spoke
OF the desire Of Germany to remain
at peace with neutral countries and.
emphasized hopefulnsss that there
would be an early termination of
the terrible strife devastating Europe.
Obviously the resignation Of Won Tif-
pitx, OF which Mr. Gerard knew sew
eral days before the news was pub
licly announced, was intended to con-
yey to the world evidence that Ger
many did not wish to- carry her sub
marine warfare to extremes.
Indicates Desire to Spcek Freely.
The chancellor,s remarks on peace
terms were most general In character,
but indicative of desire to speak
more fully on a latter occasion. There
was no intention to lay down hard
and fast TERMS bat merely to give
general ideas. DIR. Won Bethmann-
Hoiiweg said, for example. that Ger
many was willing to help rehabilitate
Belgium. would withdraw from that
territory. and would not seek indem-
nifty from the little country. But he
did not seem to. think II was essen
tial to German public opinion that
an indemnity be paid before German
troops were withdrawn from North
ern France. Restoration OF Belgium,
implying that Germany ID ready tol
snccor the wounded nation. Ii in IT.