File No. 763.72119/584
The Chargé in the Netherlands ( Langhorne) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 27, 4.10 a.m.]
880. For the Department’s information. Following statement made by German Radical Socialist regarding basis for peace negotiations:
Preliminary steps: (1) recognition of fundamental reform of Government in Germany as means of ending war and militarism; (2) declaration to effect that in the event of disorders in German Army and in the interior no action would be taken against troops in revolt and that boundaries of Germany as existing before war would not be crossed by hostile armies.
Peace proposition: (1) constitution of league of states in place hegemony in Europe and consequent withdrawal of demand for strategic frontiers; (2) settlement of Alsatian, Hohenzollern [sic], and Polish questions by popular vote under neutral surveillance; [Page 40] (3) no war indemnities; (4) former colonies to be returned to Germany, provided new distribution of colonies according to policy of open door cannot be arranged; (5) economic and political discriminatory legislation operating against aliens passed since the war to be repealed; (6) all countries to contribute to sacrifice necessary for reconstruction of Europe; (7) each country to renounce conquests and to regulate its own nationality questions, etc., according to established principles.
In general, the possibility of a lasting peace should be emphasized with particular regard to principles laid down by the President of the United States and with due consideration for psychology of German people. United States in best position to take initiative in this matter.