President's Future Course.
The general belief in well-informed circles tonight was that the
President, after waiting a few days for more information from
Berlin, probably would instruct the American Ambassadors at London,
Paris, and Petrograd to communicate what the Imperial German Chancellor
had said to Ambassador Gerard. It was believed the Ambassadors would be
asked to reiterate the wish of the American Government to be of service
in bringing about peace and to point out the readiness of the United
States to communicate to Germany and Austria any statement of terms
which the Allies might care to make.
Diplomatists are disposed to believe that through such informal
conversations something definite in the way of peace terms may yet be
obtained as a working basis. If a concord of opinion for the discussion
of peace terms were reached President Wilson then would endeavor to
obtain an acceptance by all the belligerents of the original tender of
good offices. This would not mean a cessation of hostilities, unless the
mediating power specifically made it a condition of mediation and all
the belligerents agreed to it. An armistice would not hinder military
movements or preparations, serving merely as a truce while peace was
discussed.
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