File No. 763.72119/147
The Ambassador in Austria-Hungary ( Penfield ) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 28, 9.30 a. m.]
1279. Local press with varying attitudes devotes much editorial space to President’s Charlotte, speech.
[Page 31]Freie Presse attributes alteration of President’s attitude to enormous force of German Chancellor’s words and public opinion in the United States; also to fact that assents [attempts?] would not be made did he not think them acceptable to Great Britain. Idea of international conference cannot appeal to Austria as basis peace negotiations since memory of London Conference of Ambassadors has not faded. In another editorial Freie Presse states that it should be borne in mind that President is decidedly pro-British and is seeking reelection. Draws attention to difference at international law between mediation and good offices.
Pester Lloyd attaches particular importance to President’s declaration, calling it turning point of incalculable effect and pointing particularly to recent speeches of Grey and German Chancellor. Further that Central powers have frequently declared readiness to commence peace negotiations, but fear that Entente powers, still talking of victories, are not yet ready to recognize victories already gained by adversaries; therefore will evince no readiness for peace.
Tageblatt wonders whether Entente powers will be pleased with Wilson’s proposals and concludes by saying, “We are prepared for peace without sheathing sword of victory. We quietly await decision of our enemies and their reply to Wilson.”
Zeit recalls that in November 1914 Wilson, by means of Associated Press, declared that America would not offer its mediation until one or more of belligerents betray willingness to accept such an offer for Triple Alliance, and asks whether this has really happened. Supposition is excluded in view of last announcements Briand, Poincaré, Asquith, and Grey. German Chancellor, in expressing readiness to consider peace tenders, never mentioned desire for neutral mediation. Since 1914 Wilson has forfeited role of peace mediator by becoming partisan and possible participant in war.
Arbeiter Zeitung takes President’s intervention most seriously and hails it with delight.
Reichspost is convinced President’s efforts for peace are due to fear of America’s own possible complications with Japan, and that unless peace is reestablished soon his America might find no ally there in case of such contingency.
Semiofficial Fremdenblatt offers no comment.