New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-01-04
NO BACKDOWN ON
PREPARATION PLAN
Warning Given President
Against Trying Press
ure on Entente
BY ARTHUR S. DRAPER

ply to President Wilson's note is
likely to reach Washington on Sat
urdsy or Monday. 1t will be held
few days following its dispatch to
permit of simultaneous publication
in all the countries concerned.
Though essentially a reply to the
Presidents suggestions, understand
that it also will cover Germany's
answer to the President. There have
been difficulties in framing a collec-
tive note, as the objects of the va
rious members of the Entente are
hardly to be considered identical,
even though their fundamental aims
are the same.
Determined to Achieve Aims
However friendly its tone and
however full its explanations, run
ming through it will be the declara-
ton of the Allies to fight until they
are assured of reparation and guar
antees that there will be no repeti-
tion of this war. 1t may check the
peace drive, but it will not stop it.
Reuters Telegram Company to-
night publishes the following con-
cerning the reply;
"The note will be more positive
than the reply to Germany, and is
expected to indicate in more precise
fashion the only preliminaries upon
which the Allies are prepared to
negotiate.
Will Indicate Terms
"In again going over the ground
of the responsibility for the war it
is likely that the Allies will empha-
size the only possible terms for
peace, contrasting sharply the Ger
man note, which purposely was of a
negative character
The first phase of the peace situs-
tion probably is nearly passed. But,
like some military campaigns, there
will be more stages to follow, with
hardly a break in the movement. AL
ready the parliamentary leaders of
the Central Powers are arranging
for a conference this month, while
early in February the British Co
lonial representatives will meet here
to consider the problems Of peace
and war.
Though the Central Powers talk Of
war to the knife, they have not for
saken the hope Of an early cessation
OF hostilities To them war and peace
are business propositions.
Warning Given Wilson
A dispatch from "The Morning
Posts" Washington correspondent,
saving that the President is "de
termined to press his efforts to bring
about peace in spite OF all discourage
ments at the beginning" is attracting
much attention.
Friends Of the President who are
now here do not believe he Is likely 20
attempt pressure on the Entente de-
spite the high cost of living in
America, for such action would simply
stiffen the belligerents in their pur-
poses and would defeat his own efforts
and severely strain the relations Of
the United States with other nations.
His friends consider that it would be
a grievous mistake at this time TO ex-
ert any pressure.
There are rumors that the President
made soundings before sending his
note. Used automatically this word
allows Of a wide latitude, ranging
from the opinions OF correspondents
to the dropping Of chance remark.
Didn't Sound Cabinet Leaders
| can state positively that the Presi-
dent never approached either Asquith
or Grey before formulating his pro-
posals. II he had, he probably would
not have sent the note.
The prominence that Belgium re-
ceiyed in the Allies reply to Germany
deserves special attention. I'm
doubtedly the Germans would welcome
the opportunity of eyacusting Belgium
and even paying an indemnity, but to
do this they must also eyacuate
Northern France. Militarily, it would
be wise move, DuU politically IT
would mean the sacrifice OF valuable
territory which Germany hopes TO hold
when the peace bartering begins.
Unoficially Germany has made
many overtures 20 Belgium and
France. but always unsuccessfully.
Rut should Germany agree to clear
ont of the west il would not satisfy
many here. who consider the solution
of the confused Balkan situation
equally important for the future peace
Of Europe.
FIoRIDA's FINEST TRAIN ~ SERVICE.