File No. 763.72/3068
The Chargé in Germany (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 14, 12 p. m.]
4728. Press summary. The reception of Germany’s peace offer in the press is in general favorable. There is considerable pessimism as to the prospects of peace resulting from the offer, but it is pointed out that the Allies cannot possibly afford to reject the note without discussion since they would then bear the responsibility for the pitiless continuation of the war with all available engines of destruction which would be bound to follow. Pan-Germanist papers express misgivings because no precise statement of the peace terms of the Central powers is made, but other papers point out the wisdom of withholding specific peace terms in order that the Allies may be induced to inquire as to them. It is generally conceded that this is an opportune moment for the peace offer since the strength of Germany’s position disarms any allegation that she is begging for peace and forces admission of the fact that the invitation of the Chancellor is an appeal to reason and conscience. Excerpts from the press follow en clair.
Comment on the exchange of notes relative to the deportation of Belgian unemployed is in agreement that Germany is absolutely within her rights in this matter. Count Reventlow writes that the Belgian Relief Commission is not necessary for Belgium, but is only kept in order that America may have a hand in Belgian affairs in her own interest and that of England.