London, Feb. 11.
American initiative, in the form of Mr. Sumner Welles' forthcoming visit to Europe, must not be underestimated in importance, the "Sunday Express" declared in an editorial today, adding that the journey was not @ spur-of-the-moment decision, but a carefully prepared diplomatic move.
"Tt is clear, after the recent speeches of German chiefs, that soundings of the situation had been taken, and that inquiries had been made in European capitals," the paper declared. "In Britain, however, all negotiations for a peace must face certain difficulties, as British opinion is that it is impossible to conclude an honourable peace with Germany until that coun-dry is disarmed by force. On the other hand, German official circles are of the opinion that any peace must be dictated by Germany."
"The essential aim of the war is to obtain peace and security. Any other subject is of secondary import-one. Neville Chamberlain and Lord by comparison.
Halifax will confer with Mr. Welles fu London, although it is still un-{mown in London whether or not the American Under-Secretary of State tas the power to negotiate officially, the paper ed im conclusion.
Havas.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.