When I explain just what is in the President's mind, I believe they will all feel that it was wise for me to come at this time.
I shall not write more fully for the reason I am to see you so soon.
I am sending this through the kindness of Sir Horace Plunkett.
Faithfully yours, E.M.

HOUSE.
P.S.We shall probably say, for public consumption, that I am coming to look into relief measures, and see what further can be done.

Of course, no one but you and Sir Edward must know the real purpose of my visit.
Why was Colonel House so confident that the Dual Alliance was prepared at this time to discuss terms of peace?
Colonel House, as his letter shows, was in communication with Zimmermann, the German Under Foreign Secretary.

But a more important approach had just been made, though information bearing on this had not been sent to Page.

The Kaiser had asked President Wilson to transmit to Great Britain a suggestion for making peace on the basis of surrendering Belgium and of paying for its restoration.