The Washington herald., 1920-01-24
German Ciphers Reueal Power
Of Wilson and Colonel House
In Pdrleys With Bernstorf
CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE.
Is now visiting at the White House.
1 have not yet received a reply from
President Wilson, but it Is generally
believed here that he will energetic
ally support the peace proposals.
'aAt a farewell banquet given 10
Ambassador Gerard in New York the
Ambassador made a speech wherein
he definitely said Germany had been
victorious and could not be robbed
of victory. Although not published.
this speech made a sensation, especl-
ally as Mr.. Gerard had pointed out
that ne had reported to President
Wilson in the same spirit
Opinion Backs Wilson.
Count Bernstorfr on December q
wired the Foreign ONCE and on De-
cember 25 the following was received
from him: Several days ago Secre-
tary Lansing gave me the new peace
note 1t said the American govern
ment finds itself in a more and more
unbearable position, on account Of
the continuous violation Of American
rights; therefore, he hopes for a
frank statement from the belligerent
powers regarding peace conditions
Replying, 1 expressed as my personal
opinion that this could hardly be
done other than at a conference, on
account of the activities of the press.
Mr.. Lansing replied that the state
ments could be confidential and thus
gradually lead to a conference.
According to this, the prevailing
opinion that President Wilson would
like to serve as a clearing house for
further steps toward peace seems
correct. He has public opinion here
completely behind him, with the ex-
ception of our absolutely wild op-
ponents, who designate the Presi-
dents notes as pro-German-"
On December 8. Secretary zim-
mermann wired Ambassador Bern
storff as follows: 81 shall reply to
the American peace note. favoring a
direct exchange of views, as seems
most suitable. For your exclusive
personal information 1 may say that
only a place in neutral Europe can
be considered for an eventual meet
ing Of delegates. Apart from the
difficulty of traffic communication
with the United States, the expert
ences of the peace meeting nj
Portsmouth teach us that Ameri-
can indiseretions and interferences
make objective negotiations impos-
sibIe.
Conference Rejected.
The Presidents interference. even
In the performance of his functions
as clearing house. would be in
furious to our interests and, there
fore, to be prevented. We must ere
ate basis for future peace conclu-
sions through direct contact with
our opponents. If we are not to run
the risk and danger of being depriv-
ed of our desired gain by the pres
sure.of neutrals. We, therefore, re-
tect the idea of a conference.
"On the other hand, there can be
no objection to sending delegates,
after the conclusion of peace, to an
international congress for the dis
cussion of problems concerning fu-
ture universal peace"
Writes of Gerard Ramor.
An interesting letter of October II
from Count Bernstorff to Chancellor
Won Bethmann-Hollweg received
only on January /, said: Some ex-
citement has prevailed again for a
"CCh lhc OIIlCe
policy. 1t was said at first that Am
dassador Gerard had brought home
with him a peace proposal from the
German government. In spite of all
denials. this rumor was universally
believed for a time. because 1T was
set afloat by one of the first bank
ers of New York.
Unfortunately, Gerard heard of
this press myth while still aboard
ship, and as he was travelling with
Herbert Swope, a denial in the form
OF a violent dispatch In the World
appeared. which was worse than the
news itself. 1t contained the state
ment that Gerard was coming home
to communicate the commencement
of a ruthless U-boat war.
BernstorH Watches Election.
The result of the election
seems exceedingly doubtful. Vic
tory seemed certain for the Repub-
licans four months ago, but today
Wilson's success looks probable.
This Is explained by the fact that
Hughes has not made a lasting inn
preston as a speaker, while Roose-
Welt Is sounding the war trumpet
IN his usual bombastic fashion. II
Hughes happens to be beaten he
Will be indebted to Roosevelt.
"The average American ha. been
and remains . paeiAst. He ble~ses
peace 0D6 DeDeeful d. ~~S >-rw