The Washington times., 1916-03-22
Denial Of Report That U. S.
Was Asked to Act Issued by
White House.
SECRETARY POLK ACTS TOO


Keenest resentment is felt by Presi-
dent Wilson and officials OF the state
Department over the publication In
New York afternoon newspaper yester-
day Of reports thar Germany has sound
ed the United States in an effort to get
this Government to initiate peace rego-
tiations IN Europe.
The President, through Secretary
Trmuity, issued the following statement
from the White House:
president Wilson, through Secretary
Tumulty. TODAY authorized a denial OF
stories appearing IN the newspapers to
the effect that the purpose Of Ambassa-
dor Gerard In remaining In Berlin was
to await German proposals OF reace.
There lis no justification for that in
ference being drawn
State Department Denial.
The State Department issued the fol-
lowing denial:
Amy statement that Germany had
intimated that It desired this Govern
ment TO act as mediator in peace nego-
tistions or had in any way suggested,
formally or Informally, that this Gov
ernment teke tho matter up with other
powers. Is absolutely without founda-
nation that Germany is preparing to
make a definite move In the direction
of peace"
Officials of the Government regard the
publication of the story as particularly
embarrassing, because 1t may tend 10
undermine the usefulness OF the United
States as q possible mediator when the
opportune moment for renewal OF
peace overtures arrives.
Count Won Bernstorff. the German
IN IN 49,
OF State Polk just before noon, and Is
sssinst the report which, well-tnformeS
ptrepns IN German embassy circles de-
einrp plaees Germany In the unfair
Asht OF suing for peace. -
"Not Based on Fact"
2 Mr.. Polk made the terse remark re.
Garding the statement:
n That's not so. II Is absolutely mis-.
teRdtag, and Is not based on fact"
Gtate Department officials. when in.
fofnned that an attache of the depart.
mept' wes REPRESENTED as sponsor fol-
the pe1ce report and the statement tina,
Ambassador Gerard had already re-
cetved suggestions Of peace from the
German government, sid an investiga-
ton was b.iny made, and II 1t proved
true that an attache was in any way
associated with the untrue story, that
attaches head would fail into the bas-
ket
Officials said peace rumors had moth.
ing TO do with Mr.. Gerard's delayed de-
parture from Berlin. The ambassador
was recently granted leave of absence
and II was understood he intended re-
turning to the United States. he has
not yet left Berlin, but State Depart-
ment officials SAID he was not remain
ing In Berlin to take up peace sug-
gesuons.
Departure Postponed.
They said that with the armed mer-
chantmen controversy hanging tlre and
other international matters pending
Mr.. Gerard had probably deer tc
postpone his departure. Officials said
they had no definite Information as tC
whether Mr.. Gerard would come to this
country on his vacation. They said he
had had long and arduous labors FOL
many. months and needed a rest.
II was pointed out at the State De,
partment that "such reports as this un-
true one are hurtrul, to the extreme
In the first place. Germany has moi
sent word to this country intimatinI
q desire on her part for peace or thai
she contemplates taking any steps ir
that direction. But, even II she had
the publication of such a statement al
this one, which the department wishes
TO natly deny, would be harmful rol
II would look as though the departmen,
had broken faith"
state Department officials said all tn,
countries engaged in the European wa
they all have their own ideas AS 4
what the terms should be, and thos,
terms are pretty well understoo,
throughout the world"