The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1916-12-13

cuSSion.
The General Terms
Recess dispatches to the German
embassy, covering a wide range Oh
subjects indicate a belief that the gen
eral terms might be in substance as
follows:
"A restoration OF the status quo
existing before the war. This includes
the evacuation Of Belgium and the
restoration of the occupied PORTIONS
of Northern France with the exception
Of lsace and Lorraine. No authorized
expression was obtalnable from Tue
embassy as to whether condltlonS
would be attached TO the restoration
of Belgium and French territory. out
il was understood that the German
idea was TO make provision 1or the
future neutrality Of Belgium and prop
ably propose identification partlcu-
larly of the city Of Antwerp. 1t was also
understood that no conditions amount
ing TO economic control of those miner
al lands OF Northern France would be
likely to be asked. All Germany
lost colonies she expects to be return
ed. Her possessions in the Pacific,
however, are not a subject OF great
concern and the Berlin government IS
understood to be ready 10 rellnqulSn
the claim on Kiauchau.
The security of Turkey in possession
of Constantinopie probably would be
insisted upon by the Central Powers
as well as the restoration of Albina.
The establishment of indepenSent
Kingdoms in Lithuania and Poland
would be one Of the factors in the Ger
man proposal, although that part OF
Poland possessed by Germany at the
outbreak OF the war would not be IN
Guided.
What adjustment would be made
to cover the Trentino region between
Austria and Italy, or any provisions
affecting Egypt, the Suez Canal, MeSo-
potamia or the gateways of control to
the Indian empire are not made clear
in German quarters here. The Balkan
situation is considered so delicate 1t
would have 10 be untangled in the
peace conference.
A Step to Discussion.
The whole German view OF the peace
move is that it is a step toward a dis
cussion of peace terms, which, If 1t
amounts to anything, ought to show
some definite progress early in Janu-
ary. There is said to be no possl0ll-
ity of a peace conference being held
in the United States. Berne and Inc
Hague are mentioned as most likely
places, and 1t is not doubted that
Count Won Bernstorff, the German AMI
bassador here would 60 as one OF ms
country's representatives. His attl-
tude was expressed tonight in the 1ol-
lowing statement:
~ am, Of course, extremely grail
fed at the step that has been taken.
| hone that It will be successful. Even
if Il does not lead to peace 1t oners
proof that Germany wants peace, even
after a victorious campaign. and does
not desire the responsibility for turth-
er suffering Of mankind, loss or lie
and property. Germany wants peace
land does not desire conquest. can
not say anything about the terms.
Diplomats Of the Entente Allies mere
regard the peace offer as having the
double purpose Of placing upon the A.
lies the responsibility for continuing the
war and Of impressinS upon inc German
peun,e that they are fght1ns deIen-
quarter. Coming Immediately after The
elimination OF the triumphant humh-
MAN campaign. tho peace oTer. Entente
diplomats say, is intended also 10 I'M
press the German people that they need
have no lack Of confidence In their gov
eminent 10 continue the war.
AS Viewed by Entente.
Based upon information from their
home governments. the Entente uiPte
mats believe Germany's terms are In
general about as follows: .
restoration Of Belgium. but with con-
iitions which would practically leave II
under German control and Pfohanl! give
over the port Of Antwerp to Germany.
northern France. but with economic con-
troll which would guarantee 10 Germany
supplies Of iron and other raw male
rails drawn from there.
termination of Mesopotamia by Ger
many and Austria. TO give them path
to the Persian gulf and break Eng
lands gateway to India and Egypt:
TO award to Bulgaria ali OF Serbia as
far south as Nish. which would take
from Serbia rs much territory as she
gained in the Balkan wars. They expect
Germany will demand the return OF her
African colonies or at least propose 10
exchange them fer the French colonies.
Turkeys interests are considered II
minor affair and not fully developed IN
consideration of peace.
The attitude of the Balkan nations OF
the Gcrmanis Allies. 1t is expected. Will
be set forth in the notes which have
stantinople and nothing Of them is
known at the Balkan legations here. eX-
cent that Bulgaria probably will OK
rect to get Macedonia and Dohrudia.
which formerly belonged to her, max
Ing the Danube the boundary between
ulgaria and Rulnania and shutting the
latter from tho Black Sea.
To convey Proposal
The actual procedure in conveying
Germany's proposal In hor enemies. ac-
cording to precedent begins with Charge
Grew Forwarding the not" to Washing
ton. The State Department then will
forward II to the Amc rican ambassador.
resident in tho country 10 be- addressed.
and he In turn will present it TO that
government. acting in the interest of
Germany and her allies. The United