Germany did not want
war, but had it forced on her. Even if she defeats France, she must
likewise vanquish both Great Britain and Russia, as all three have
made an agreement not to make peace except by common consent.
Similarly, England has announced through Premier Asquith and her
diplomatists and the newspapers that she intends to fight to the
limit of her endurance. In view of that determination on the part
of Great Britain, the United States ought to get proposals of peace
from the Allies. Germany could accept only a lasting peace, one
that would make her people secure against future attacks. To accept
mediation now would be interpreted by the Allies as a sign of
weakness on the part of Germany and would be misunderstood by the
German people, who, having made great sacrifices, had the right to
demand guarantees of security.
The above is all that Ambassador Gerard communicated as to his
conversation. He added only the brief comment that he, himself, thought
the way might possibly be opened to mediation. President Wilson did not
regard the message, however, as bringing anything tangible. He referred
to the Chancellor's conversation as non-committal and incidental to the
acknowledgment of the American Government's inquiry.
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