It took the German parties until 10 May to decide on their positions towards this ultimatum. The independent social democrats (USPD), SPD and Zentrum favoured acceptance. The DDP was split and left the decision to its Reichstag delegates. Attempts by the SPD to win the USPD for a coalition failed because the latter refused to cooperate with the Zentrum. The Zentrum, readier than the SPD to accept the stipulations of the ultimatum, now tried to form a government including both the DVP and the SPD. However, the DVP had voted against the ultimatum and a consensus proved impossible. Among those discussed as possible chancellors were Gustav Bauer and Paul Löbe (both SPD), Konrad Adenauer and Joseph Wirth (both Zentrum).
