File No. 763.72119/10494
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain (Willard)
172. Your 240, May 11.1 At the time of the receipt of your telegram our confidential advices were that it would be unacceptable to the Allied Governments to receive from a neutral any suggestion looking toward the restoration of peace, for the reason that until there was a change in the military situation overtures for peace would be rejected by the Entente Allies. Furthermore the refusal to consider peace proposals would cause the Allies embarrassment because it would appear to cast upon them the responsibility for continuance of the war. They would, therefore, view a suggestion to that end as inconsiderate and inopportune.
The President felt, in view of this information as to the attitude of the Allied Governments, that it would be unwise to approach [Page 47] them at that time either independently or jointly with other neutral powers. The President, however, being, like the King, animated by the humane desirè to see an end of the terrible conflict which is ravaging the great nations of Europe, delayed replying to your telegram in the hope that at a later time the suggestion by a neutral power to consider terms of peace would be less objectionable to the enemies of Germany. He took this course rather than refuse to unite with any disinterested power in the laudable endeavor to bring the war to an end, since such refusal might be misconstrued.
From the advices which have now been received from the capitals of the Allies the President does not feel that the Governments of the Entente have up to the present time changed their attitude in regard to proposals by neutrals looking towards peace, and that to make proposals, with knowledge that they would certainly be rejected and would in all probability cause irritation toward the government or governments making them, would jeopardize the future usefulness of the proposers as agents in peace negotiations when an opportune time comes to offer friendly offices to the warring nations.
You may confidentially and informally convey the foregoing to the King, and state to him that, appreciating the lofty motives which inspired his communication, these considerations have prevented and still prevent the President from either accepting or rejecting his suggestion, earnestly as he hopes for the restoration of peace in Europe.