The Washington herald., 1916-12-16
ALLIES TO Get
GERMAN PEACE
NOTE AT ONCE
Decision Reached at Most Pro-
tracted Cabinet Meeting of
Administration.
u. S. TO MAKE NO PLEA
Entente Reply to Teutonic Suggestion
Crucial Factor in Diplo-
matte Exchanges.

Germany's offer to discuss peace term.
with her enemies WIN be forwarded to the
entente allies Immediately. 1t will moi
which might reflect the attitude of the
United States
President Wilson has reserved for later
consideration the question of sending
within the next two or three days an
urgent request that the peace offer be
not treated lightly.
1t is expected that the text of the note
will have been received in London, Paris
and Petrograd not later than Sunday
morning.
Longest Cabinet Session.
White House at the close of the Longest
session of the Cabinet held during the
present administration.
The conclusion reached by the Presi.
dent and Cabinet members should not be
construed to mean that the United
States is not ready to support and fur
ther. in every way possible, the peace
movement, 1t was said. The plain adopt
ed was believed to be the only policy this
government could follow. without causing
diplomatic complications which would be
disastrous to the purpose of all who are
working for peace.
The representatives in Washington of
neutral countries are said to be In entire
accord with President Wilson.
Diplomatic Exchanges Desired.
The notes will go and a reply is ex-
pected from the entente group, asking
Germany: What are your termsr'
In answer to this the German govern
ment is expected to say: Come into the
conference we have proposed and we will
tell you our terms"
After this further exchange between
the belligerent powers, 1t is declared, the
United States could suggest with much
better grace that at least a preliminary
peace conference be organized
This plan is known to represent the
consensus OF opinion which finally domi-
mated the cabinet meeting yesterday.
When members ot the Cabinet had de-
parted from the White House, reporters
were permitted to learn authoritatively
that the President is not without hope
that great and lasting good will result
from the note the government is trans
mitting to the allies.
Lansing Weary But Pleased.
The time consumed by the Cabinet de-
liberations was not the only indication
that there had been a wide difference of
opinion. Secretary Lansing, of the State
Department, was flushed and looked
weary as he emerged, but his bearing was
that Of the victor.
Mr.. Lansing is understood to have
maintained the United States could not
consistently do more at this time than
act the part of messenger in forwarding
the peace offer. Secretary Daniels, of the
Navy Department, who is one of the most
ardent pacifcists in the administration,
left the White House with bowed head.
There is nothing l could properly tell
you, was the only statement Mr.. Daniels
would make.
= cr"tary OF the Treasury McAdoo and
i"stnsster General BurIeson left by a
ga door. as did the others with the ex-
"cHti3n Of Attorney General Gregory.
who remained behind to discuss another
question with the President
Turkish Message Last.
When Secretary Lansing reached the
State Department the announcement was
made that the notes would go forward
as soon as the communication from
Turkey had been compared with the
notes from Germany, Austria ana
Bulgaria.
Precaution. 1t was explained is due
solely to a desire to prevent unnecessary
delay in getting an answer which can
be promptly transmitted to the centra
powers.
State Department officials. as well as
the President, are awaiting with mucn
concern the speech which David Lloyd
George. England's new prime minister
and first lord Of the Treasury, is expected
to make Tuesday.
During the Mckinley administration
the United States undertook to sound
Great Britain on mediation in the Boer
war. The answer was a direct intima-
ton that any Interference would be con-
stTued as unneutral.