It is at least possible that he only used it as a means for compelling the Provisional Government quickly to come to terms and thereby to bring the war to an end.

It is, however, certain that negotiations went on between him and the Empress and also with Bazaine.

They came to nothing because the Empress absolutely refused to negotiate if she was to be required to surrender any French territory.

In this she adopted the language of the Provisional Government in Paris, and was supported by the Emperor.
The negotiations with the Provisional Government were more than once renewed; soon after the investiture of Paris had begun, General Burnside and another American passed as unofficial messengers between the French and German Governments, and at the beginning of November, Thiers came as the official agent of the Government in Tours; these attempts were, however, always without result; the French would not accept an armistice on the only conditions which Bismarck was authorised by the King and the military authorities to offer.

During the rest of the year there was little direct communication with the French authorities.