File No. 763.72119/248
The Chargé in Germany (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 23, 11.30 p. m.]
4764. Department’s circular of 18th.3 My 4760, December 21, 10 a. m.2 I have just read to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the President’s communication regarding peace, and have left with him a copy of the text after making oral representations as directed, clearly conveying the impression that it would be very [Page 111] hard for the Government of the United States to understand a negative reply. Zimmermann listened to the reading of the communication with earnest attention and expressed great satisfaction at and appreciates the President’s “wise and high-minded action.” He added that he would have to discuss the matter with the Emperor and the Chancellor before replying, and that in any case he did not think that an answer could be given or action taken until the Entente powers had replied to the Chancellor’s recent note. He said that he was quite sure Germany’s peace terms were more moderate than those of the Entente but that Germany could not be the first to divulge them, first, because one party to a negotiation could not give its hand away at the start and, secondly, because of the unfavorable effect which this would have on the German public, part of whom would undoubtedly be dissatisfied. A mutual and simultaneous statement of terms he said might be considered, but this was his personal view and must not be taken officially. The word “soundings” struck him as peculiarly appropriate and he sad he felt in any case that the President’s action was a step nearer towards peace and that favorable results might ensue.