The Tacoma Times

ALL NEUTRALS BACK WILSON

(United Press Leased Wire,)

WASHINGTON. D. C.. Dec. 21.

-In making his first formal effort to get a statement of peace terms from the belligerent powers and to evolve from the European war means of preventing a similar world tragedy, President Wilson acted with knowledge that the other world neutrals would stand behind him, it was stated today.

He has the greatest confidence that his efforts will succeed.

Official and diplomatic Washington, today scarcely recovered from the startling development of his sending a peace note to all countries, awaited with anxiety the first response from belligerent nations to the president's suggestion for peace definitions.

Comes As Surprise.

The president's action came out of a clear sky last night.

Without any previous notice of his intentions and contrary to what had been described in official circles as his probable course, the president dispatched the notes appealing for an open discussion of peace terms, to all the belligerents and all the neutrals

In all the notes he made it plain that he "is not proposing peace; not even offering mediation," but that he is merely proposing that soundings be taken in order that neutrals and belligerents may learn "how near the haven of peace may be for which all mankind longs with an intense and increasing longing'

He explained this country's "intimate interest" in the war's conclusion thus:

"Lest it should presently be too late to accomplish the greater things which lie beyond its conclusion.

"Lest the situation of neutral nations, now exceedingly hard to endure, be rendered altogether intolerable, and,

"Lest an injury be done civilization itself which can never be atoned for or repaired."

The president has made it clear many times that he would make no such move unless he were assured of its definitely accomplishing its purpose.

The change in the announced policy of this government to merely act as messenger for the belligerent powers remained an enigma today but it is assumed the president received assurances such an "entering wedge"proposal would not be received in an unfriendly spirit by any of the belligerents.

In diplomatic circles the president's move was discussed today with mixed feeling. There was outspoken optimism at the German embassy.

Russia a Stickler.

Comment was made on the "studied language" of the note and it was pointed out that the president's view on future guarantees squared with those of Lloyd-George.

At the British embassy, however, it was stated, as Lloyd-George pointed out in his historic address, that the president's request for specific terms was a matter of more vital concern to France and Russia. whose territory has been invaded, than to Great Britain, whose interests are less concerned with territorial adjustment.

Attention was directed in this connection that reports that the czar had pledged himself to consider no peace not predicated on German evacuation of Russian provinces.

Opposed to Secrecy.

Germany, in spite of the optimism of the embassy here, may prove the first stumbling block to President Wilson's suggestions.

No intimation is given that she will comply with requests for specific peace terms.

Count von Bernstorff has declared Germany's willingness to discuss publicly such questions as disarmament, peace leagues, etc.. but regards consideration of such subjects as reparation. restriction and territorial limitations as demanding conferences behind closed doors.

The president, on the other hand, believes one of the prime safe-guards for all nations is to let the light in on "secret diplomacy."

He believes the war in Europe might have been prevented had it not sprung "suddenly out of secret councils.