I had hoped that the United States understood what is at stake." Lord Robert went on: "I will go so far as to say that if the United States will come into the war it will decide which will win, freedom or organized tyranny.

If the United States shall help the Germans, civilization will perish and it will be necessary to build it up slowly again--if indeed it will ever appear again.

If the United States will help the Allies, civilization will triumph[50]." As to the proposal that the British terms should be conveyed confidentially to Mr.Wilson, Lord Robert said that that would be a difficult thing to do.

The President's note had been published, and it therefore seemed necessary that the reply should also be given to the press.

This was the procedure that was ultimately adopted.
* * * * * Startling as was the sensation caused by the President's December note, it was mild compared with that which was now to come.