The Washington herald., 1916-12-26
SWEDEN To BACK
NOTE TOPOWERS
Norway, Too, Believed Ready
to Follow Lead Of Switzer-
land in Peace Demand.
ACT MIGHT CLOUD ISSUE
Feared that Swedish Pro-Teuton Sym
pathies May Arouse Dangerous
Suspicious of Entente.

Washington last night prepared for
a general chorus of Endorsement by
the neutral nations OF the world of
President Wilson's move toward
peace in Europe. =.
The nature and form of the Swiss
note, pledging support to the Presi-
dents peace policy, was accepted as
practically guaranteeing prompt ac-
tion by the other neutrals. Washing
ton diplomats declared that the
Scandinavian nations could be ex-
pected to fall into line behind the
Presidents proposals, and it was
stated authoritatively last night that
ASweden would probably forward a
general Endorsement following close
ly the form of the Swiss note within
a few days.
Unofficial sdvices from Berne. Switzer-
land. stated fatty that the Swiss federal
council understood before dispatching
their note that similar commune ication
to the belligerent powers would be forth
coming from Sweden at once. DipIo-
matte circles here declared last night
that the report was well worthy Of
credence and that the diplomatic situa-
tion was shaping itself in the direction
Of general Endorsement Of the Presi-
dents demand on the beIligerents, With
out loss OF time
Think sweGen VIII Indorre.
W. A. F. Ekengren, the Swedish Minis
ter. said that while he had not been OH
cially notified by his government that a
peace note was on its way or in the
course Of preparation. he felt confident
that Sweden would indorse the Presi-
dents stano. Sweden for more than a
year has been active in her efforts to Sc
cure some concert Of action among the
neutrals in their dealings with the beIliE-
erents.
Minister Ekengren some time ago
sought TO secure the cooperation Of the
United States in a peace program to De
followed by neutral nations. but Presi-
dent Wilson declined 20 enter any en-
tanging alliances At that time. Since
the German peace proposals were for
Wardcd TO the entente powers. Sweden.
where the sentiment IS generally pro-
German. has been more than ever anX-
ious for peace negotiations.
An overenthusiastic Endorsement Of tho
Presidents proposals by Sweden at this
time. administration officials said tonight
helpful The accepted pro-CTcrman ten
d"ncies In Sweden. il was stated, might
serve to further compIicate the dlfiCul-
ties which President Wilson's proposal
confronts in the entente nations, because
II was forwarded so closely on the heels
Of the German peace advances.
Wants Other support First,
{ For this reason, there was a feeling
that the cause OF ultimate peace might
be better served. IL other neutral nations
not so closely identified with the war
zone, came forward TO the support Of the
/ President before Swedens note was sent
Whether any general understanding
among the neutrals Of the world as to
the time OF forwarding their notes ap-
proving the Presidents course has been
, arranged. could not be determined here
last night. such an understanding, II IL
exists, will probably delay Sweden's COM
munication until some OF the other neu-
trails have stated their views
Washington will watch with deep in
terest the course to be taken b,- Norway
Since the beginning Of the war. Norway
has been at odds with the Teutonic pow
ers. She has suffered heavily from sub
marine warfare. and her sympathies have
been largely with the entente allies Al
Endorsement of the Presidents plan by
Norway would 20 far toward making
clear that the Presidents peace move is
one by all the neutrals. and is in no way
connected with the German peace pro-
posals.