The British Proposal.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 30, 1912:
    Sir Edward Grey's proposal as to further negotiations on the Balkan situation is, on its face, simple and sensible enough. It is a time-saving device, and time is often in these matters of the essence of the business. In effect, the English Foreign Secretary suggests the substitution of a diplomatic clearing house for the present tedious and complicated mode by which each Government deals with all the others. An Ambassador from each Country in a selected capital — Paris is naturally regarded as the most convenient — will receive and convey all communications from and to his colleagues. Thus there will be one Ambassador as a general agent of each Power for the five others, and it is reasonable to expect that such an arrangement will save some five-sixths of the delay and confusion of the former plan. The proposal seems to be favorably considered, as was probably assured before it was made public.
    Much will depend, of course, on the scope that will be given to the discussions of the Ambassadors. It is well to recall the significant speech of the British Premier at the Guildhall dinner in which he declared Great Britain's opinion that peace would best be secured by each of the Powers holding special views and claims in abeyance until the time came to discuss them all together. Evidently it is the present belief of the British Government that that time is approaching. What is practically a conference of Ambassadors is a step in preparation for the general discussion. It remains to be seen whether Austria-Hungary will consent to the postponement of her particular claim with regard to Servia. So far as we can judge by official utterances, she will, though the popular feeling is strong in Vienna in favor of stern action, and the Servian occupation of Durazzo will stimulate it. But the most encouraging indication is the semi-official declaration in London and in Berlin that Germany and Great Britain are working cordially together to maintain peace. If this be the case, there will be no war; and the relative tranquillity of the Exchanges in the two capitals is strong •evidence that it is the case.