File No. 763.72119/1034
The Chargé in Switzerland ( Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 23, 4.42 a.m.]
2282. Harold F. McCormick of Zürich reports that Kommerzialrat [Meinl], an Austrian visiting Prince Alexander Hohenlohe in Zurich, approached McCormick and asked him whether he could get a message to President Wilson. McCormick replied that he could answer no questions. Meinl stated it would be good to know within eight days what terms would be seriously considered by President Wilson if the Central powers openly propose them. The Central powers did not care again to make proposals which would not be seriously considered. McCormick asked why this was not brought to the United States through a neutral. Meinl replied neutrals were too nervous, better for unofficial person like him to talk to some one like McCormick. Meinl’s mission known to authorities although he came in private capacity. He continued saying President’s views [Page 484] not clearly understood in last message. Meinl claimed to have arrived after consultation with Kühlmann in Berlin and was proceeding to Vienna to-morrow. He told McCormick if any communication was to be made it could be sent through Prince Hohenlohe.