The people in general felt that the time for writing notes, for parleying had passed.
On December 12, 1916, Germany, in a formal note, had offered to enter into peace negotiations, but did not specify any terms.

The note referred in boastful language to the victorious German armies.

It was rejected by the Allies as empty and insincere.

The president on December 18, 1916, had addressed all the beligerents asking them to indicate precisely the terms on which, they would make peace.

Germany's reply to this note was no more satisfactory than before.