INNER HISTORY OF WILSON'S NOTE.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 December 1916, Page 5

INNER HISTORY OF WILSON'S NOTE.

r:.~ r >iw:NT outwitted by BERNSTORFF-. Received Dec. 20, 5.30 p.m. London, Dee. 25. The Daily Chronicle's Npw York correspondent reveals the inner history of the Note, which was due to the machinations of Count BernstorfT. At a. recent Cabinet meetinn President Wilson announced ;hat if the evidence as to the Carina was similar to that in the cases proved, he favored an immediate severance of relations with Germany.' The majority of the Cabinet agreed, and the State Department informed Count BernstorfT of the Cabinet's decision. Count Bernstorff persuaded the Kaiser to transfer his peace note, which he intended to send through the Pope to neutrals, including America, to President Wilson, who was thus forced to ignore the peace message, dismiss Count Bernstorff and recall Mr. Gerard, or postpone action in the hope that peace discussions would delay submarine atrocities. Meanwhile. Germany announced that if the negotiations were unsuccessful, submarine frightfulness would be increased, and suggesting that American commerce world be crippled. Britain, meanwhile, was arranging a mobilisation of her mercantile fleet, causing the United states to fear the result in the disorganisation of commerce. The President, therefore, i decided to ask each belligerent for statements regarding its objectives, and the same note contained the implied warning of Germany; but Count Bernstorff persuaded President Wilson that it was dishonorable to act against Germany until the peaeo negotiations were finished. The Germans are now endeavoring to make President Wilson the depository of pretended secret terms, thus sealing President Wilson's month and making a diplomatic break impossible. Borne, Dec. 25. Brazil, Argentine, and Chili have adhered to President Wilson's Note.

NOTE WELCOMED BY PANGERMANS,

Received Dee. 2G, 7.40 p.m. Amsterdam, Dee. 25. The German press indicates that President Wilson's note was welcomed by Pan-Germans,, who affect to desire to continue the war with intensified frightfulness. They declare that America desires to save Anglo-Saxons by influencing Germany in snatching away the prize of victory. On the other hand, the Chancellor's supporters see no fundamental differences between the proposals of Germany and those of President Wilson.

SWITZERLAND'S NOTE.

MORE DIPLOMATIC THAN AMERICA'S. Received Dec. 20, 8 p.m. London, Dec. 26. Switzerland's note to the belligerents is less elaborate than President Wilson's, but the arguments are the same — humanitarian considerations, neutrals' sufferings, and fears of the extension of the conflict. The note arrived in London on Friday and in Paris on Saturday.

The Petit Parisien states that the note reveals that Switzerland took the initiative and sounded President Wilson five weeks ago. President Wilson is therefore assured of the support of Switzerland. The note does not invite belligerents to state their objects, nor does it deal with the origin of the conflict, but merely expresses the hope that the war will soon end.

The newspapers comment courteously, appreciating Switzerland's attitude during the war period. Received Dec. 20, 11.25 p.m. Washington, Dec. 25. Switzerland's peace note, after reciting that the Swiss Federal Council for a considerable time was in touch with the President, states it was guided by the desire that hostilities may soon end. Reviewing portions of President Wilson's note and discussing the desirability of international agreements, together with the necessity for bringing to an end the present Avar, it says this most meritorious personal initiative of President Wilson will find a mighty echo in Switzerland. True to its obligations arising from the observation of strict neutrality, and united by the same friendship for the states of both the warring groups, it is situated like an island amidst the seething waves of the terrible war, with the ideal and material interests most sensibly jeopardised and violated, and ready to assist by its small means to establish foundations for the beneficial co-operation of the peoples. The Swiss Federal Council is therefore glad to seize the opportunity to support the efforts of the President of the United States. The Council would consider itself happy if it could act, no matter in how modest a way, for a rapprochement of the peoples now engaged in the struggle, and for a far-reaching aiifrl»Wng't> l " " ■■■ ,