BERLIN, Dec. 20, 1916 (UP) - Germany regards speeches of statesmen in England, France and Russia as a bluff to impress Berlin with the entente's determination. Germany believes the entente governments cannot do otherwise in view of their past statements -- altho they are really anxious now for peace.
This was the view reflected in all walks today, following Premier Lloyd George's answer to the imperial German chancellor, refusing Germany's peace proffer, in his speech of yesterday.
Berlin is not pessimistic, despite this London statement, added to the previous pronunciamentos from Petrograd and Paris that the allies are determined to continue the war until their objects are attained.
Not only was this the public view, but officials coincided.
One such official said no belligerent would ever ask a neutral nation to begin negotiations-nevertheless steps by a neutral now would not be regarded as unfriendly to the central powers.
He added, however, that the public state of mind is not now such that American interference would be welcomed.
"If Premier Lloyd George means to postpone peace until the allies conquer, then the war will be eternal unless the German army succeeds in terminating it at an earlier date," said the Berlin Lokal Anzeiger today.
"The phrase 'reparation' is completely valueless."
The Tageblatt observes: "Lloyd George's speech is apparently composed according to the prescription 'on one hand-and-on the other.'"
"Lloyd George's assertion that whoever wants only to prolong the war is criminal, implies a strong self condemnation if England rejects negotiations," the Vorwaertz said.
