File No. 763.72119/183
The Ambassador in Austria-Hungary (Penfield) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 21, 11.05 a. m.]
1539. Vienna press commenting extensively on telegraphic press reports that the President contemplates inviting at early date representatives of belligerent powers to a preliminary peace conference where all parties shall present minimum demands to lay foundation for final peace conference, but no cessation of hostilities during preliminary conference. Press giving prominence to discussions of this report but maintaining position reserve. Governmental attitude not indicated.
Following summary of Neue Freie Presse:
- Seventeenth
- If the United States, in view of possible difficulties with Japan and Mexico, needs peace in Europe, England’s wishes cannot be so potent as to cause the President to forego an effort to [satisfy] American aims. America desires peace in Europe, not on Europe’s account but in her own interest. America can impose her wishes on London, since munitions and loans are indispensable to England.
- Eighteenth
- The peace plan of President Wilson occupies public opinion in Budapest. Member of Hungarian Parliament states that the initiative of Wilson will be greeted joyfully by every one here, for we certainly desire an honorable peace. It can surely not be supposed that Wilson’s project will be shattered by the Central powers, which have given so many proofs of their wish to avoid further purposeless shedding of blood.
- A member of Hungarian delegation states that America had the duty to offer its good offices to effect an understanding between the belligerents. It was pleased, however, to reap financial profit and maintain a one-sided neutrality. If the present report proves true, we must rejoice, for even if it should not bring peace or an armistice, it would at least encourage the hope that the United States might at least assume a position of honest and unbiased neutrality.
Following from Arbeiter Zeitung, eliminated by censor 17th, but published 19th:
Each belligerent nation can accept Wilson’s invitation without appearing to be at end of its resources. We greatly desire that Wilson may not be dismayed by the difficulty of his task, that conscious of the longing of humanity he may attack the work courageously.