View source for German Reply to the Swiss Peace Note, December 28, 1916

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'''German Reply to the Swiss Peace Note, December 28, 1913<sup>1</sup>'''<br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Imperial Government has taken note of the fact that the <br>
Swiss Federal Council, as a result of its having placed itself in <br>
communication some time ago with the President of the United <br>
States of America, is also ready to take action side by side with <br>
them towards bringing about an understanding between the bellig- <br>
erent nations and towards the attainment of a lasting peace. The <br>
spirit of true humanity by which the step of the Swiss Federal Coun- <br>
cil is inspired is fully appreciated and esteemed by the Imperial Gov- <br>
ernment. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Imperial Government has informed the President of the United<br>
States that a direct exchange of views seems to them to be the most<br>
suitable means of obtaining the desired result. Led by the same <br>
considerations which caused Germany on December 12 to offer her <br>
hand for peace negotiations, the German Government has proposed <br>
an immediate meeting of delegates of all the belligerents at a neutral  <br>
place. In agreement with the President of the United States the <br>
Imperial Government is of opinion that the great work of pre- <br>
venting future wars can only be taken in hand after the present <br>
world war has terminated. As soon as that moment has come they <br>
will be joyfully ready to cooperate in this sublime task. <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If Switzerland, which, faithful to the country's noble traditions <br>
in mitigating the sufferings caused by the present war, has de- <br>
served imperishable merit, will also contribute to safeguarding the <br>
world's peace, the German nation and Government will highly wel- <br>
come that.<br>

<hr>
<sup>1</sup><i>The Times</i>, London, December 29, 1916.