irritation should be removed so what at first may be a sore spot cannot grow into a malignant disease[106].  It will not be too difficult, I think, to bring about an agreement that will insure permanent peace, provided all the nations of Europe are honest in their desire for it.

I am writing this to you with the President’s knowledge and consent and with the thought that it will be conveyed to Sir Edward.  There is a growing impatience in this country because of this war and there is constant pressure upon the President to use his influence to bring about normal conditions.  He does not wish to do anything to irritate or offend any one of the belligerent nations, but he has an abiding faith in the efficacy of open and frank discussion between those that are now at war.

As far as I can see, no harm can be done by a dispassionate discussion at this stage, even though nothing comes of it.  In a way, it is perhaps better that informal and unofficial conversations are begun and later the principals can take it up themselves.

     I am sure that Sir Edward is too great a man to let any prejudices
     deter him from ending, as soon as possible, the infinite suffering
     that each day of war entails.

     Faithfully yours,
     E.M.  HOUSE.

It is apparent that the failure of this first attempt at mediation discouraged neither Bernstorff nor the Washington administration.  Colonel House was constantly meeting the German and the British Ambassadors; he was also, as his correspondence shows, in touch with Zimmermann, the German Under Foreign Secretary.  The German desire for peace grew stronger in the autumn and winter of 1914-1915, as the fact became more and more clear that Great Britain was summoning all her resources for the greatest effort in her history, as the stalemate on the Aisne more and more impressed upon the German chieftains the impossibility of obtaining any decision against the French Army, and as the Russians showed signs of great recuperation after the disaster of Tannenberg.  By December 4th Washington had evidently made up its mind to move again.

From Edward M. House 115 East 53rd Street, New York City.  December 4th, 1914.

     DEAR PAGE: 

The President desires to start peace parleys at the very earliest moment, but he does not wish to offend the sensibilities of either side by making a proposal before the time is opportune.  He is counting upon being given a hint, possibly through me, in an unofficial way, as to when a proffer from him will be acceptable.

     Pressure is being brought upon him to offer his services again, for
     this country is suffering, like the rest of the neutral world, from
     the effects of the war, and our people are becoming restless.

     Would you mind conveying this thought delicately to Sir Edward Grey
     and letting me know what he thinks?