New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-30
London Talks of War
Ending in Weeks
or Months
NEUTRAL NOTES
A STRONC LEVER
Spain TO Send Plea-Page
Explains Wilson's Aims
to Lloyd George
BY ARTHUR s. DRAPER
by Cable to Tns Tr'bune

London. Dec. 29.-With the posi-
bic exception OF Greece snd'Holland,
all the European neutrals either have
given or will give their indorse-
ment to President Wilson's peace
note to the belligerents. II is under
stood that the Netherlands and tho
Vatican are likely to preserve silence,
but that Spain intends TO join Swift
zerland and the three Scandinavian
countries, whose joint note was made
public to-day.
The pacifst and labor organiza-
tions of Norway, the Social Demo
Gratis of Denmark and the Spanish
labor socialists all strongly indorse
the Presidents stand, while the
Swedes are directly responsible for
the Endorsement of the Scandinavian
countries.
Peace Drift Sets In
It is impossible 70 express the ex-
tent of the changes which have taken
place herein fact, all over Europe
in the last fortnight. The extreme
war views have been greatly modi-
fed.
1t is like heavy thaw in the Hud-
son, when the thick ice breaks up
and comes pounding down into the
harbor, carrying powerful ferryboats
out of their course and upsetting all
the plans of man for the moment.
The first days of August, 1914, saw
much Of the same situation, though
then it was war. and not peace. that
drew the nations into the mselstrom.
do not mean 10 say that peace is a
possibility in the immediate future, but
that its arrival is infinitely nearer than
it seemed the first OF the month. Some
persons figure weeks, others months,
but few speak Of the war lasting years
longer.
When the neutral nations immedi-
ately adjacent to the belligerents in
dorse President Wilson's action as a
duty toward their own people and the
whole of humanity" peace has got
powerful lever Their support is
bound TO make q big impression on
both sides
Germany Must Change Tone
As stated in these dispatches following
Won Bethmsnn-H Hollweg's original offer
everything depends on Germany. The
Allies still hold that the Teu.ons must
meet them more than half way. pre-
senting an offer not as boastful as
their first. Nothing has changed. or
can change, their determination on this
score
Ambassador Walter Hines Page spent
twenty minutes with Premier Lloyd
George this morning and then Wis
tied Bslfour at the Foreign OF
flee. IL is believed that he
conveyed private message from
the President explaining the sew
ersl Misunderstanding arising from
the note. Similar action was taken
yesterday by Ambassador Thcmas Mel
son Page at Rome.
Though the Allied reply TO Germany
probably will be cabled to Warrington
tonight or tomorrow morning, there
is a probability Of further delay OF
few days in answering President Will
sons note. However the Allies an
swer Germany. it should not be consid-
cred as in a tone anticipstory TO that
Of their reply to the President The
two notes are likely 20 be very diff
ferent.
Reply to Germany Lengthy
Ambassador Jules Cambon is taking
an active part in the Anslo-French
negotiations going on here. Lloyd
George is having direct conferences
with the foreign representatives,
marking a departure in diplomatic ex-
changes and showing his desire to get
hrst hand information on the urgent
matters awaiting decision.
The delivery Of the answer TO Ger
many will be made at Paris. after
which the communication will be for
warded 10 Germany through American
channels.
The reply is long document. much
more lengthy than the German note.
This point has been one OF the matters
OF discussion during the conferences,
the objection having been raised that
it is too long. and should be short ana
sharp. But there were so many points
/ for elucidation and such a complets
difference OF conception os the objects
and purposes for which the two sides
went 10 war that il was found desira.
bic 20 extend the note to considerable
length.
Unususl optimism is shown her. a,