The Washington herald., 1920-01-23
Wilson's Peace Effort Told
In German Cipher Messages
To and from Washington

constantly informed upon the state
Of affairs by wire. The question
about armed merchantmen. accord
ing to the opinion Of the admiralty
and greet general headquarters, al
lows no further delay.
please discuss orally with Lam
sing. Deposit as an aid to memory
the annexed memorandum of our
procedure against armed merchant
men. which will ensue henceforth.
Confofmable to memorandum 1t
naturally implies no revocation of
our assurance in note of May 4.
Please point out to Col. House that
action against steamer Mississippi,
and Lord Crewes' speech in the
House of Lords. make it dificult for
us to leave matter OF armed mer-
ZIMMERMAN"
Snag In Depertations.
December 1. Bernstornf wired TO
the foreign office:
Lansing spoke with especial
emphasis of American protests as
regards Belgian deportations, say
ing whole Belgian relief work is
there further endangered. Local
feeling is again poisoned just at the
moment when 1t seemed as il peace
negotiations might be begun.
Lansing expressed opinion that II
imperial government could find a way
of yielding on the Belgian question. il
would create a powerful impression
here in our favor and make 1t prob
ably possible Immediately afterward
to propose beginning negotiations
Federal Reserve Boards warning to
banks against uncovered obligation to
foreign states is first sign government
here intends to exercise pressure upon
eremies in direction of peace.
"BERNSToRFF."
Prepared for Action.
On December 4, Bernstorff wired as
follows and the foreign office received
the message on December Z:
Everything is prepared for peace
action. although with Wilson's incon-
sistency IL is still uncertain when il
will begin. All influential persons
here now won for action. 1t can there
fore happen overnight and especially
II possible for US show compliance in
Belgian question.
Wilson believes he is so hated
in Britain that he would not be
listened to there. His zeal in Bel
gian question is mainly explained
by this train of thought. At any
rate so much is certain-House
persistently urges Wilson to ac-
ton. Moreover. peace propaganda
is constantly increasing here. al
though momentarily hindered by
Belgian question.
IF. as expected. Wilson finds strong
peace feeling in Congress. he will
probably at last come to decision.
"BERNSToRFF."
.Cannot Wait Longer
On December 9. Under Secretary OF
State Won Stumm wired Bernstorn
of Germany's impending peace pro-
posal. saying in part:
CONFIDENTIAL. For personal informa-
ton. For reasons already telegraphed.
We cannot wait longer to see whether
Wilson will resolve upon peace ac-
tion. American charge d'affaires stat
ed confidentially. by Presidents order.
in conversation with Imperial Chan
cellor December ::
What the President now most
earnestly desires is practically CO.
operation on the part of German au-
thorities bringing about favorable op-
portunity for early and affirmative &C.
ton by the President looking to res
toration of peace
THE chancellor replied to the Amer
lean charge he was extremely gratified
TO see from the Presidents message
that in q given moment he could count
upon the sincere. practical co-opera-
ton Of the President in restoration of
peace. inasmuch as the President
could count upon the practical CO.
operation of the German authorities.
we believe we may assume our ac-
ton comedies with the Presidents
wishes. In any case please interpret
it in this spirit TO the President and
Col. House.
won STUMM."