Paraphrase of Telegram from Mr. Balfour to Mr. Barclay
Title
Paraphrase of Telegram from Mr. Balfour to Mr. Barclay
Creator
United States. Department of State
Identifier
WWP25259
Date
1918 October 13
Description
Germans do not seem to understand the Allied position.
Source
Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
World War, 1914-1918--Armistices
Balfour, Arthur James, 1848-1930
Contributor
Danna Faulds
Relation
WWP25257
WWP25258
WWP25260
Language
English
Provenance
Document scan was taken from Library of Congress microfilm reel of the Wilson Papers. WWPL volunteers transcribed the text.
Text
PARAPHRASE OF TELEGRAM FROM MR. BALFOUR TO MR. BARCLAY
______________________________
The German reply to the President’s enquiries seems to assume that his answer to their first note contains the terms of a cessation of hostilities. It is evident from the President’s conversation with the French Ambassador that he never contemplated the grant of an armistice merely on the promise of Germany that she would withdraw her troops from the occupied territories. This we understand distinctly was no more than a condition essentially precedent to the communication of the German proposals by the President to the Associated Governments.
His Majesty’s Government very much doubt whether the position is thoroughly understood in Germany and whether the Germans realize that the Associated Powers will consent to a cessation of hostilities on no other terms but such as will render any resumption of hostilities by the Central Powers impossible in the opinion not only of the military but also of the naval authorities.
His Majesty’s Government accordingly regard it as of the very greatest importance that an immediate and public notification should be given to the German Government as to how the matter really stands.
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON,
October 14, 1918.
[Handwritten note in upper right corner reads: “Handed me by British Charge Oct. 14/18 RL”]
______________________________
The German reply to the President’s enquiries seems to assume that his answer to their first note contains the terms of a cessation of hostilities. It is evident from the President’s conversation with the French Ambassador that he never contemplated the grant of an armistice merely on the promise of Germany that she would withdraw her troops from the occupied territories. This we understand distinctly was no more than a condition essentially precedent to the communication of the German proposals by the President to the Associated Governments.
His Majesty’s Government very much doubt whether the position is thoroughly understood in Germany and whether the Germans realize that the Associated Powers will consent to a cessation of hostilities on no other terms but such as will render any resumption of hostilities by the Central Powers impossible in the opinion not only of the military but also of the naval authorities.
His Majesty’s Government accordingly regard it as of the very greatest importance that an immediate and public notification should be given to the German Government as to how the matter really stands.
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON,
October 14, 1918.
[Handwritten note in upper right corner reads: “Handed me by British Charge Oct. 14/18 RL”]
Original Format
Note
Collection
Citation
United States. Department of State, “Paraphrase of Telegram from Mr. Balfour to Mr. Barclay,” 1918 October 13, WWP25259, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.