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By late 1916 the war had been grinding down both sides for nearly more than 2 years. The war had seen the crushing of Serbi, deadlock on the Balkans a near Russian victory of the Austrian and disaters of the Western Front. Italy was tied down . Russia had lost ground to the Germans and it was clear to those who looked caefully that the Russian Military machine was beginning to crack. Jutland had had mixed results. the British had suffered heavier loses but the Germans had been forced to return to port.

Let us say that at this point Scandinavian Diplomats put a proposal for peace talks to both governments. In this case The new Austrian Emperor Karl also supports a settlement and is joined by german politicans and some of the military Leadership. The Bavarian Crown Prince makes it clear that it is his belief that if a reasonable settlement is offered the allies will agree and Germany will gain much.

The Kaiser reluctantly agrees to the talks but who will be the mediator. The Kaiser has little respect for the American President but there is one American that he believes will be fir and could stand up to either side. He proposes that the American former President Theodore Roosevelt take the lead in the talks.s considered a given that Germany will have to restore Belgium but will not give up the lands that it has held since 1870.

The Germans and the Austrians want a buffer state between them and the Russians thus they propose the creation of the Kingdom of Poland, hoping that that might appeal to the Americans.

Now how about any other suggestions?
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