al publicly to the
_peoples_ of the Central Powers and ask them if they prefer to
fight on for conquest or if they will have peace.

To settle with Russia as speedily as possible, then break through
the determination of the Entente to exterminate us, and then to
make peace--even at a loss--that is my plan and the hope for which
I live. Naturally, after the capture of Paris, all "leading"
men--with the exception of the Emperor Karl--will demand a "good"
peace, and that we shall never get in any case. The odium of
having "spoiled the peace" I will take upon myself.

So, I hope, we may come out of it at last, albeit rather mauled.
But the old days will never return. A new order will be born in
throes and convulsions. I said so publicly some time back, in my
Budapest speech, and it was received with disapproval practically
on all sides.

This has made a long letter after all, and it is late. _Lebe
wohl_, and let me hear from you again soon.--In friendship as of
old, yours

(Signed) CZERNIN.

With regard to the peace negotiations in Brest-Litovsk, I will leave
my diary to speak for itself. Despite many erroneous views that may
appear in the following notes, and various unimportant details, I have
not abbreviated it at all, since it gives, in its present form, what I
believe will be a clear picture of the development.

"_December 19, 1917._--Departure from Vienna, Wednesday, 19th.

"Four o'clock, Nordbahnhof. Found the party already assembled there:
Gratz and Wiesner, Colloredo, Gautsch and Andrian, also Lieut.
Field-Marshal Csicserics, and Major Fleck, Baden.

"I took the opportunity on the journey to give Csicserics an idea of
my intentions and the tactics to be pursued. I told him that in my
opinion Russia would propose a _general_ peace, and that we must of
course accept this proposal. I hoped that the first steps for a
general peace would be taken at Brest, and not given up for a long
time. Should the Entente not accept, then at least the way would be
open for a separate peace. After that I had long discussions with
Gratz and Wiesner, which took up more or less the whole day.

"_December 20, 1917._--Arrived at Brest a few minutes past five. At
the station were the Chief of Staff, General Hoffmann, with some ten
of his suite, also the emissary Rosenberg and Merey with my party. I
greeted them on the platform, and after a few words Merey went into
the train with me to tell me