Sober second thought in official circles confirms the impression that the note was received here that the note puts an end for the present to all phases of peace, and Germany and her allies must buckle down to the task of continuing the struggle with all energy. This undercurrent of opinion is largely supported in the neutral press. It is considered in some quarters that the reply of the entente will not entirely rely on the desire of peace discussions. Those who hold that belief contend that this could be done either in response to a further invitation from President Wilson to both sides to state their terms simultaneously and confidentially, or perhaps through an open declaration of their terms by the central powers.

In London, January 1, Considerable prominence is given in London news-up to reports of the recent events to be held in Vienna and Berlin. The inference is drawn that as the war staffs are to take no part, they will relate to policy rather than to the conduct of the war. 