Evening journal., 1917-12-28
IEUTOkS IGHORE
BASIC DEMANDS
Peace Reply TO Russia Is
Called Vague and viii
Not be Considered
NOT A RIPPLE
IN THE CAPITAL


as outlined by Count Czernln, the Aus
fro-Hungarisn Foreign Minister, as form
ing a basis Of peace. The United states
and the Entente nations are pledged TO
terms involving restoration. rcparaiion
and guarantee against repetition. The
carefully worded cffusion of the Central
Powers at the Brest-Litovsk conference
IS regarded In official circles here as in
no sense meeting these basic demands
The government here presumably had
advance intimation of what 10 expect
News Of the so-called German terms did
not cause ripple Of excitement In
oflcial circles. Secretary Of State Lam
sing found the terms vague and Of the
old familiar brand which may mean
much to Germany and which are call
culaied to strengthen paclnst n~ore-
eanda IN enemy countries, but which fail
to trap Entente governments into CIV
ing them serious consideration.
While 10 Is realized that the opinion
may be held by some that the United
States and the Allies should not abso-
Iutely ignore the offer. even though It be
unsatisfactory. and that II might be
good politics from an international
point OF view at least 10 seek to ascer-
tain from Germany how generalities
might be reduced to more detailed form,
the responsible officials Of the govern
ment are absolutely opposed 10 this.
There Is and has heen here and
abroad. 10 Is true, some sentiment in
fav6r OF encouraging an exchange Of
views with the enemy over ultimate
peace terms on the ground that this
would not necessitate a weakening on
the part Of the United states and the
Entente as 70 ultimate satisfactory
terms.
This government. for reasons which
have been very carefully considered, IS
against any policy Of talking peaNc or
considering peace negotiations in any
form inspired by the enemy at the pres
ent time, and believe n Is in accord
with the other governments Of the En-
fente.
President Wilson and Secretary Lam
sing take the view that peace discus
sions now are bound TO assist Germany
md weaken the cause of democracy.
This view is predicted on information
not generally available which has led
10 the conviction IN their minds that the
Central Powers VIII consider only a
tory. This information has led 10 the
belief that ell the art and cunning Of
Teuton diplomacy is now to be persis-
iently invoked 10 make these terms ap-
pear attractive 70 the peoples Of their
enemies.
Realizing that peace along the lines
which the United states and the En-
tente will demand Is now out Of the
question IN advance Of a military vic
tory over Germany. officials here and in
lIaiente countries apparently do not
want 20 consider peace plans at ell-
''Same Old Teuton Peace Game
TO quote one high ofllcial here, the
situation IN this respect is outlined as
follows:
Germany is doing everything in her
power to force US TO keep. peace before
the people, to talk peace, 70 think peace
pnd to make peace discussions sap our
determination 90 bend an energies on
prosecution Of the war.
Every Teutonic peace move now is
characterized at the State Department
IS part OF "the same old game" This
was again emphasized today with re-
gard to the proposals Of The Russians.
The German object primarily Is 20
keep up the illusion at home that
the war is being waged for defense
Bsainst aggression and TO provide as
sstance for elements iu enemy coun-
tries which can be called upon 70 stir
up paciflct sentiment against Govern
menis directing the prosecution Of the
SSar.
Count Czernin's terms are regarded
BY officials here as having been out
lined with studied cunning for the
purpose Of strengthening home opin-
ions in support Of the Central Powers
Hnd for the added purpose Of appeal
ing TO pacinsts aud Socialists In enemy
territory.
A casual reading OF the terms gives
the impression, il is admitted that
Germany and her allies are making a
liberal offer, which at least shows "a
spirit Of promising conciliation. But
chose scrutiny Of the terms IN the
light Of information at this Govern
ment's disposal. places them 10 another
light, according 90 Government officials
In the first place it is declared that
fhe familiar German vagueness is
everywhere evident and that it is
what tho terms mean or hoV they
would be made effective Tho catch
word without forciblc anneyatlons
and indemnities' has heent used now
by the Berlin foreign office for months
Some Of the neutral diplomats Ia
Europe have sought TO and out II
possible how this would apply 70 Bel.
eium. for example 10 developed thai
eli manner Of stipulations and Ger.
man made provisions would be incor.
porated in any plan 10 return Beleium
incidentally there Is nothing N
Count Czernin's terms which provid,
for reparation for wrong done to Bel
GUM. Apparently this Is now such
delicate subject in German politlca
circles that the Central Powers hayl
purposeiy kept aloof from it.
Count Czernin's statement that Ger
many and her allies condemned III
continuation OF war FOR conquest"
an obvious repetition, it is explained
or the German charge that her enemie
were the aggTessors and were wagin
war Of conquest.
Belgium is again indirectly referre
10 by Count Czernin when he says tina
Il Is not the intention Of the Contra
Powers 20 deprive the political In
dependence Of those nations which los
It during the war"
But this idea has been stated an
restated IN Germany. and contain
nothing whatever new. if is explained
upon which to base an assumption tha
the Central Powers were veering tc
..---s ~. 1900 coal ~.-hf,l, fl,o Er4-,f