The Washington herald., 1916-12-15
CABINET TO AID
IN PEACE CRISIS
President to Confer with Ad-
visors Before Determining
Course of u. S.

President Wilson decided last night to
seek the advice of his Cabinet before de-
termining the part the United States will
play in urging the entente allies to ac-
cept Germany's preliminary peace pro-
posals. The Chief Executive Is said to
Be still IN doubt as to the best course
to follow.
The oficial text Of the German note
was received sat the State Department
early yesterday and was sent to the
White House as soon as 1t had been de-
coded. During the afternoon the Aus
uian communication arrived. Bulgaria
and Turkey are yet to be heard from.
Pending the Cabinet meeting the notes
viii not be forwarded, but before tomor-
row night. 1t is believed in official cir
cles, they will be en- route to London,
Paris, Petrograd and Tokyo.
1t was intimated at the State Depart
ment that the United States would have
the support of Holland, Sweden, Norway,
Denmark and Switzerland In any course
which President Wilson considers wise.
The Presidents position is declared to
nave been made most difficult by the
tremendous pressure brought to bear by
representatives of the warning nations
The diplomatic agents and friends of the
entente allies urge that the United States
a. neutral, can do no more than form
ally transmit the peace offer.
Looking to President.
Representatives of the neutral powers
ma support in German circles for the
sincere wish, at least, that President VIII
son will take the initiative and urge ac-
Ceptance of the offer.
No matter what course is followed, the
Impression is growing in Congress that
TeT
ness to discuss peace with her enemies
VIII be given serious consideration.
whether or not it is accepted
The German Ambassador Count Won
BernstOrn. announced cancelled plans for
Christmas vacation in Florida and will
remain in Washington. It is, expected
AT the Embassy that a reply to the note
will be received here probably as early
as Christmas week. Optimism continues
{" prevail in this quarter
J. p. Morgan whose New York bank
'nE house is fl, al agent for the allies in
he United Sta es. was a guest at the
British Embass yesterday. The banker
c'me to WashiT ton Wednesday night.
Mr.. Morgan re used to make any state !
ment concerning the purpose of his visit |
Dr. Paul Ritter. Swiss Minister, and
Ambassador Riano, Swiss Minister, and |
onferred with Secretary Lansing during !
the day.
Secretary Lansing has refused to make |
any statement since it was first itimated !
that Germany was ready to treat with !
the allies.
Charge Grew sent a short ccnmunica- |
ton with the German note. the contents !
OF which Mr.. Lansing refused to make |
pubic.
EBVOys Send No News.
II l. understood no word has been re- !
cciFed from representatives of this gov !
eminent in London. Paris and Petrograd /!
reSarding the attitude of the govern !
ments there tOwaId the peace plans.
EnCOUra EementSwas expressed at the
W hite House over unofficial statements
from entente Embassy circles to the cf- .
tect that if Germany and her allies have
any concrete propositions which will fur +
nish basis for lasting peace they will :
receive respectful consideration from her /
nemieS
The official reply of the entente, when
drafted. will be sent mere for transmits
sion to Rerlin. Vienna, COnstantinople !
um S"Gd. !