The sun., 1916-12-13
ENTERING WEDGE, Is
WASHINGTON VIEW


day. The German offer will be dealt
with by Mr.. Lloyd George. II Ia explained
In Entente circles, n upon his state
ment will depend whether the Kaiser's
proposal Is to be considered at all or
whether the offer is to 'be ignored or
fatty rejected.
so much viii, depend upon this that
President Wilson may walt until after
Thursday before deciding upon what
course he will follow.
The Presidents Endorsement Of the
central idea contained In the German
proposal-thc desire for peace--is un-
qualified. But the question In the Pres
ident's mind is Just what procedure the
United States Government ought to fol-
low a. this critical stage with a view to
reinforcing the proposal for peace with
out going counter to the temper Of the
Entente or appearing to indorse the par
ticular terms of peace which Germany
may be willing TO offer. The slightest
misstep on the Presidents part might
easily do harm. II ID explained.
There Is. however, one important poirA
which might prompt President Wilson to
send a communication to the Entente
Powers simultaneously with the trans
mission OF the German proposal. That
In the fear that Lloyd George. with the
support Of all Great Britnin's allies. will
close the door to peace talk by an un-
qualified refusal to consider anything
but prosecution Of the wal until the En-
tente Is victorious. This has been the
steadfast British. French and Russian
attitude. Should Ambassador Page at
London report that the German proposal
Is surely doomed TO immediate fiat re-
lection President Wilson may step in the
breach at once with a plea that they at
least condescend to hear Germany's
terNs and consider what form OF pro-
posal might be acceptable to them.
German Version Of Move.
In response TO questions As to .why
the German roposal Is made at this
time. II is explained In German circles
that latest military events have placed
Germany in a position OF being able to
propose peace without being suspected
OF making the proposal for military rea-
sons or for fear OF future developments
on the field of battle.
'Since the conquest OF Rumania our
position is such that It would be ad-
mittedly ridiculous to say that Germany
fears for the future. We have shown
that We cannot he conquered and Ru-
mania adds to our security from an
economical point of view TO such an ex-
tent that talk of starving Germany into
submission Ia now out Of all considera-
ton"
In Entente diplomatic circles. on the
other hand. the proposal Is chiefly de-
scribed as ian effort to escape the hand
writing on the WALL by pleading for
peace before the effect OF the Entente's
growing power undermines completely
Germany's power. 1t is furthermore re-
garded as n diplomatic move calculated
to influence neutral opinion. but chiefly
aimed at stirring the German people to
make the great sacrifices they must
make in pursuance OF the struggle.
by final victory" the Entente means
the eradication OF the menace constituted
by Gcrmany's dominant military force
Ia Europe. Until that is accomplished
Europe cannot feel safe from another
co~nfiagration. n Entente diplomats as
sert and unanimously agree that a half
way patched up peace would be the
most unfortunate outcome OF the monu-
mental sacrifices they have made.
Peace now on any terms would he re.
garded by the German people as "A Ger
n'an victory. The suffering which the
war has caused In Germany, and which
Entente diplomats believe is tightening
It's grip every hour. would be forgotten
In the enthusiasm.
In British circles particularly the idea
OF an early peace W secuted. Under the
ieauershp OF Liosh Heorse the BRUSH
representatives expect things to happen
with a rush when they once begin.
VIII HIATT nipiomsssc ssues
One Immediate effect of the peace
developments upon the United States
will be to hold practically IN abeyan -
all the Diplomatic issues pending with
tho warriue countries. The now subma-
rinc issue with Germany. tho protest
against deportation OF Belgians, the
controversy with Great Britain over
mails and all Will mark time
until II hecomes apparent whether they
VIII De solved ny the advent or peace.
'erfnany. IL ~ SAID here. mas moved To-
hing out inc peace proposal AT this time
principally because she had given up
h''e that fresident wilson would make
"a move Another controlling factor WAS
the recent Crisis in the British Govern
ment and the reorganization OF the Gov
erh'nent there and in france. The COM
ing OF winter ana the consequent lull In
tghting, which would give opportunity
Tor peace overtures before the belliger-
ents prepare for another spring cam
paign, was still another factor. one of
the principal objects. however. was 10
force n Showdown and draw from the
Entente Allies soms indication Of
whether they are disposed TO make peace
now or whether they are determined to
crush Germany and dismcmber her.
lfplnnats NJ thA Ssptapto AlIiaxy ln.o