An explanation of the President's message to the nations was made by Secretary of State Lansing on the morning of its publication. In the course of this he asserted that the United States had been brought to "the verge of war," which was generally understood to mean that a threatened resumption of submarine activities by Germany on a large scale might create an intolerable situation; also that the President desired to know the terms of peace contemplated by the powers at war, so as to be informed as to how they would affect the interests of the United States.
Germany replied to the President's note on December 26, giving no terms, but lauding the "high-minded suggestion" of Mr. Wilson and proposing "an immediate meeting of delegates of the belligerent states, at a neutral place," continuing as follows: "The imperial government is also of the opinion that the great work of preventing further wars can be begun only after the end of the present struggle of the nations. It will, when this moment shall have come, be ready with pleasure to collaborate entirely with the United States in this exalted task."
The reply of the Entente Allies to President Wilson's message was received January 11. While disclaiming any intention of exterminating the Teutonic peoples, the Allies in this reply stated terms of peace which would result in the humbling of Germany and Austria-Hungary and the expulsion of Turkey from Europe.
ENTENTE PEACE TERMS.
The Entente peace terms enumerated in the reply to the President were:
Restoration of Belgium, Serbia and Montenegro, with the payment of indemnities to each by Germany.
Evacuation of France, Russia and Roumania, with reparation to each by Germany.
Reorganization of Europe "guaranteed by a stable regime and founded as much upon respect of nationalities and full security and liberty of economic development, which all nations, great or small, possess, as upon territorial conventions and international agreements suitable to guarantee territorial and maritime frontiers against unjustified attacks."
ALSACE-LORRAINE TO FRANCE.
Restoration to France of Alsace and Lorraine by Germany and to Italy of the former northern provinces by Austria.