New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-13
OFFER OPENS
WAY FOR U. S.
Wilson May Tender
Good Offices When
Note Is Delivered

Washington, Dec 12 -Germany's pro-
posal for peace is regarded here as hay-
ing broken the chains which for months
have restrained the United States, as
we'll as other neutrals, from making
J offers Of mediation.
Now that one set of belligerents has
J signified its willingness 20 discuss
I peace terms-a condition often reiter
ated as a necessary prelude to any &C
ton by President Wilson-there are in
dications that when the United States,
acting as the intermediary, transmits
the German proposal, it may accom-
pany its action by some steps, neces-
sarily delicate, to throw the influence
of the United States into the balance
/ for at least consideration, however
preliminary, OF the terms on which a
lasting peace might be brought to the
world.
League of Nations Foreseen
Some ranking American officials be
lieve that league of nations such as
President Wilson has suggested must
be the outcome, and that it could not
be perfected without the participation
of the United States.
Whether the United States Will
transmit the German proposal without
anv comment whatever or accompany
i with some formal or informal ex-
preston will not be finally decided
until the note delivered to Joseph C..
Grew. American Charge in Berlin,
reaches President Wilson, probably to-
morrow.
There were indications tonight that
President Wilson might find some way
/ 10 EXPRESS the solemn and earnest wish
Of the United States for careful con-
alteration of the suggestion Of peace,
even before the Entente governments
have made known their attitude toward
the German proposal.
! Delicacy Is Prime Necessity
/ This. it was pointed out. would nee
essarily be done in such a delicate and
ultra-confdentia way that IT never
would be publicly known should the
! Allies decline the offer. This course
/ was said 10 be absolutely necessary, so
as 20 leave the United States free and
unembarrassed to act when an accept
/ able peace offer comes.
REGARDLESS Of whether President
/ Wilson decides 20 accompany the Ger
man proposal with any word, II was
/ said tonight he unquestionably would
/ take steps 10 learn the attitude OF the
/ Entente Allies toward the peace move
and possibly might send 70 Europe ms
/ friend and adviser, Colonel l.. VI.
House. $50.
Diplomats of the Entente Allies here
regard the peace offer as having the
double purpose OF placing upon the Al
lies the responsibility for continuing
the war and Of impressing upon the
German people that they are lighting a
defensive conflict against enemies who
refuse quarter.
Coming Immediately after the eulml-
nation Of the triumphant Rumanian
campaign, the peace offer. Entente Dip
lomats say, i intended also 10 impress
/ the German people that they need have
no lack Of confidence in their gov
ernment's ability 20 continue the war.
One immediate effect OF the peace
developments upon the United States
will be TO hold practically in abeyance
all the diplomatic issues pending with
| the warning countries. The new sub
marine issue with Germany. the pro-
/ test against deportation Of Belgians,
/ the controversy with Great Britain over
mails and commerce, all will mark time
! until it becomes apparent whether they
will be solysd BY the advent Of peace.