Draft of a Note to Germany by Newton D. Baker
Title
Draft of a Note to Germany by Newton D. Baker
Creator
Baker, Newton Diehl, 1871-1937
Identifier
WWP25300
Date
[1918 October 22]
Description
Secretary of War's initial thoughts on what to write to Germany.
Source
Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
World War, 1914-1918--Peace
Peace negotiations
Contributor
Danna Faulds
Language
English
Provenance
Document scan was taken from Library of Congress microfilm reel of the Wilson Papers. WWPL volunteers transcribed the text.
Text
[A line of shorthand appears at the top of page 1]
The President is obliged to assume from the statements made by the German Government that it is now ready to effect a permanent peace by the acceptance of the definite principles and propositions enumerated by the President in the addresses and messages referred to in this correspondence. An armistice is suggested to suspend conflict while the necessary permanent arrangements are determined and effected. An armistice for such a purpose must in the nature of the case leave the United States and the powers associated with her in a position to enforce such arrangements when they are determined upon and make a renewal of hostilities impossible
The President has therefore transmitted this correspondence to the Governments with which is associated with the suggestion that if those Governments are disposed to effect peace upon the principles indicated a conference of our several military advisors be asked to submit to the associated governments the terms of such an armistice, if they deem one possible from the military point of view, as will fully protect the interests of the peoples involved and assure the unimpaired power to determine and enforce the details of the peace so accepted in principle Should such terms of armistice be suggested the acceptance of them by Germany will be concrete evidence of her full acceptance of the principles and proposals for peace upon which the whole action proceeds.
[Draft of a note to Germany by Newton D. Baker]
The President is obliged to assume from the statements made by the German Government that it is now ready to effect a permanent peace by the acceptance of the definite principles and propositions enumerated by the President in the addresses and messages referred to in this correspondence. An armistice is suggested to suspend conflict while the necessary permanent arrangements are determined and effected. An armistice for such a purpose must in the nature of the case leave the United States and the powers associated with her in a position to enforce such arrangements when they are determined upon and make a renewal of hostilities impossible
The President has therefore transmitted this correspondence to the Governments with which is associated with the suggestion that if those Governments are disposed to effect peace upon the principles indicated a conference of our several military advisors be asked to submit to the associated governments the terms of such an armistice, if they deem one possible from the military point of view, as will fully protect the interests of the peoples involved and assure the unimpaired power to determine and enforce the details of the peace so accepted in principle Should such terms of armistice be suggested the acceptance of them by Germany will be concrete evidence of her full acceptance of the principles and proposals for peace upon which the whole action proceeds.
[Draft of a note to Germany by Newton D. Baker]
Original Format
Note
Files
Collection
Citation
Baker, Newton Diehl, 1871-1937, “Draft of a Note to Germany by Newton D. Baker,” [1918 October 22], WWP25300, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.