The Tomahawk., 1916-12-28
WILL ADVISE GOVERNMENTS TO-
GO AS FAR AS POSSIBLE TO-
WARDS MEETING WISHES
OF UNITED STATES.
MESSAGE is INTERPRETED AS
BEARING NO THREAT Of WAR
Lansing issues Statement to Correct
Earlier Impression-White House
Concerned Lest Note Should Ee
Construed to Mean Anything
But What 1t Indicated.

Ing discussion Of peace has been ON
cially interpreted as not bearing any
threat that the United States might
be forced to enter the war because or
the continued invasion of it's rights
by the warning powers on both sides:
This Interpretation was made by Sec
rotary Lansing in a formal statement
issued to overtake what was charac-
terized as widespread demonstrations
placed on statement given out earli-
or in the day saying that, because OF
the increasingly critical condition OF
the United States as neutral, it was
entitled to know exactly what each
belligerent seeks in order that it might
regulate it's conduct for the future.
Leads to Exaggerations.
Mr.. Lansing's first statement, made
orally and of which no official copy
was distributed, led to exaggerations
of it's language and purpose through
out official Washington. It's most strik-
ing phrases, on which the widest spec
ulation was based, were that the
United States was drawing nearer1
the verge of war; and the sending Of
the note twill indicate the possibility
of our being forced into the war" and
that neither he nor President WILSON,
regarded the note as peace note
When word of what the Secretary OF
State had said spread throughout the
capital, it created the greatest conster-
nation in official circles and among tho
foreign diplomats.
Not Approved at White House.
It became apparent that the secre-,
tary's statement was not fully APPROX
ed at the White House.
The White House was concerned Lest.
any word reach the foreign capitals to
be construed that the American note:
was anything but what it indicated on
it's face So after a conference be-
tween President Wilson and Secretary
Lansing the second statement was for,
mally prepared and distributed at the
state department..
The German embassy gave no out
ward evidence of concern over the
sudden developments.
Note Viewed as Friendly.
Allied diplomats, at first at an utteS&
loss on how to handle the unexpected
situation, became convinced that a
clearer understanding of the necessi1
ties and purposes of the United States
proved that their fear of move favor
able to Germany 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
proposals go through now, period of
ruthlessness and retaliation may set in
on both sides which will inevitably
force this country into action.
It is indicated, therefore, that the
Allied diplomats will advise their gov
ernments to view the note in a friend
ly spirit and go as far as possible to-
wards meeting the wishes of the Unit
ed States.
Expects Frank Replies.
Secretary Lansing, in calling in the
diplomatic representatives of the belli-'
gerents, is understood to have made it
clear to them, individually, that the
United States expected the replies of
their governments to be absolutely
frank in all details. The idea was
fathered that the United States was
looking forward to forming itself into
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
slightest chance of success, be con-
veyed to the public generally. Should
definite territorial terms be made pub
lie, it is feared a certain section Of
public opinion in the countries affected
would foment additional embarrass-
ments.