763.72119/2536
The Secretary of State to President Wilson
My Dear Mr. President: Enclosed is a translation of the Austro-Hungarian note handed to me this morning by the Minister of Sweden.11
It seems to me that the offer to conclude an armistice and enter upon negotiations can only be considered after the Austro-Hungarian Government has accepted unconditionally the principles which you have laid down and after the sincerity of the offer (which ought to be “request”) is shown by withdrawal from all occupied territory, by denouncement of the treaties of Brest-Litovsk and Bucharest, and by a declaration that these acts will be performed regardless of the course pursued by Germany—that is on the basis of a separate peace.
The foregoing is a hasty suggestion. I hope we can make speedy answer because of the Loan Campaign.
Faithfully yours,