File No. 763.72119/181

The Chargé in Germany (Grew) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

4614. Importance is to be attached to peace interview with Chancellor cabled by William Bayard Hale to New York American, as he informs me it has been sanctioned by highest authority. Please inform Mr. Gerard. I learn in strictest confidence that recent Austrian deputation to Berlin expressed Austria’s desire to avoid peace suggestions until Roumania shall have been defeated, but that German Government [Page 65] is not in accord with this wish. The Chancellor’s interview with Hale is said to be in the nature of an informal suggestion to the President, whose response is awaited with eagerness. There has recently been a marked increase of peace talk and sentiment in Berlin extending to practically all parties.

Grew