Almost from the start of the First World War (WWI), efforts began from all
sides to end the conflict. In early 1918 there were a few significant peace
efforts—the stalemate in the west and growing war-weariness by all.

In Germany, the feeling was mixed. On one hand, the entry of the US was
worrying but conversely, Russia out of the war added up to Germany having a
short-term advantage.

So Richard von Kühlmann, Germany’s foreign secretary, with a slim agreement
from his government, made an offer including giving up of Alsace-Lorraine.
Something that later events showed that he could not give.

Let us say that the German government made a genuine and real offer. In
exchange for the relatively free hand in the East, most of this would be at
the expense of Communist Russia anyway. Germany would make a complete
withdrawal in the west. It would also offer some reparations and
indemnities. They may also include many details of Wilson 14 points.

What would the allies do?