(35427) No. 406.
Communicated by the French Embassy.
In communicating the annexed memorandum M. de Fleuriau begged, at the instance of his
government, that Sir E. Grey's attention should be drawn to the Italian declaration that the
present war was not a defensive but an aggressive war, and that for this reason the casus
foederis under the term of the Triple Alliance did not arise.
E. A. C., August 1.
Enclosure in No. 406.
Ambassade de France, à Londres.
A la question du Gouvernement Allemand, qui l'informait des ultimatums lancés à la
France et à la Russie et demandait quelles seraient les intentions de l'Italie, le Marquis de San
Giuliano a répondu que
"la guerre entreprise par l'Autriche et les conséquences, qui pouvaient en ressortir, avaient, d'après les paroles mêmes de l'Ambassadeur d'Allemagne une portée agressive, qu'elles étaient donc en contradiction avec le caractère purement défensif de la Triple Alliance, et que, dans ces conditions, l'Italie demeurerait neutre."(1)
1 Août 1914.
(1) This was communicated to Sir F. Bertie in a despatch of August 3, see BB No. 152.
No. 407.
Communicated by the French Ambaador (August 1).
Le Ministre des Affaires Étrangères à M. Paul Cambon.
31 juillet 1914.
Le Gouvernement allemand prétendant que le Gouvernement russe a ordonn‚ la mobilisation totale de ses forces de terre et de mer a décide à midi de prendre toutes les dispositions militaires que comporte l'état dit de "menaces de guerre."
En me communiquant cette décision ce soir à 7 heures M. de Schoen a ajout‚ que le Gouvernement Allemand exigerait que la Russie démobilise. Si le Gouvernement Russe n'a pas donné une réponse satisfaisante dans un délai de douze heures l'Allemagne mobilisera à son tour.
J'ai répondu à l'Ambassadeur d'Allemagne que je n'étais nullement renseigné sur une prétendue mobilisation totale de l'armée et de la flotte russes, que le Gouvernement Allemand invoquait comme raison des nouvelles mesures militaires qu'il prend dès aujourd'hui.
M. de Schoen m'a demand‚ en terminant au nom de son Gouvernement quelle serait en cas de conflit entre l'Allemagne et la Russie l'attitude de la France; je ne lui ai pas répondu. Il m'a dit qu'il viendrait prendre ma réponse demain samedi à une heure. Je n'ai pas l'intention de lui faire une déclaration à ce sujet et je me bornerai à lui dire que la France s'inspirera de ses intérêts. Le Gouvernement de la République ne doit en effet compte de ses intentions qu'à ses alliés ou amis.
Cf. F No. 117 for translation.
(35303) No. 408
The Netherlands Minister to Sir Edward Grey.
(No. 2162.)
M. le Secrétaire d'État, Londres, le 1 août 1914.
Je viens d'être chargé par le Ministre des Affaires Étrangères à La Haye de porter la connaissance de votre Excellence que le Gouvernement de la Reine, afin de maintenir le cas échéant la neutralité de son territoire par tous les moyens dont il dispose, a appel‚ sous les armes tous les conscrits de l'armée, de la réserve (landweer) et de la flotte qui ne se trouvent pas en service actif.
R. DE MAREES VAN SWINDEREN.
[NOTE. Another note of the same date (No. 2164) transmits text of order regulating the admission of foreign ships of war into Dutch territorial waters and into river territory situated within these waters.]
(36822) No. 409.
Russian Ambassador to Sir Edward Grey.
Russian Embassy, London, August 1, 1914.
Dear Sir Edward,
I send you herewith a telegram, which I am sorry, reached me only this morning. If it
had not been for the German ultimatum to us, this shows clearly that things might have
been arranged. Whether they can now, it is not for me to say. But I strongly feel that the
responsibility for the situation as it is cannot be thrown on Russia.
Yours sincerely,
BENCKENDORFF.
Enclosure in No. 409.
Télégramme de M. Sazonoff en date du 18/31 Juillet à l'Ambassadeur de Russie à Londres. Répété à Paris.
Veuillez exprimer à Sir Edward Grey notre vive reconnaissance pour son amicale attitude, et la fermeté et la clarté des vues qu'il a exposées et transmises au Gouvernements Allemand et Austro-Hongrois. Grâce au point de vue énoncé par Sir Edward Grey tout espoir d'une solution pacifique n'est pas encore écarté. J'ai pri‚ Sir George Buchanan de transmettre à Sir Edward Grey que je suis convaincu que les négociations n'ont de chance de succès que si elles sont men‚es à Londres, ce qui faciliterait à l'Autriche l'acceptation d'un compromis.
Cf. R No. 69 for translation.
(35262) No. 410.
Sir G. Buchanan to Sir Edward Grey.
St. Petersburg, July 31, 1914.
D. August 1, 3:10 P.M.
Tel. (No. 194.)
R. August 1, 3 P.M.
Following from Military Attaché for War Office:
Mobilisation ordered in Kieff, Odessa, Moscow and Kazan military districts on July 30th. Naval reservists in Petersburg called out on same date.
Notices posted up at 4 A.M. on July 31st ordering general mobilisation. All classes of reservists in Petersburg to present themselves at 6 A.M.. on August 1st. Each line regiment will form reserve regiments. Order applies to seven European districts. Not known whether units in Caucasus and Asia will be raised to war strength but believe probable. All leave classes of European cossacks called out. Estimates of units affected 27 regular corps and 15 second line.
No movement of troops noticed in Germany on line of Berlin-Schneidemuhl Dirschau- Konigsberg-Eydkunen, but all bridges guarded. Only half the harvests in Eastern Germany cut and that in most cases still lying in the fields. Harvest in south Poland and south Russia reported gathered.
Russia has been quietly moving troops principally cavalry and artillery to frontier. Reported 16 trains left Petersburg on one night. Kovno was reinforced from Vilna last night. Second division of cavalry guards is reported to be under orders for Suvalki. Military censorship commences officially August 1st.
All civilian goods transport to Eastern frontier ceases to-day. From to-morrow only single pair of trains for public use will be run on Finland lines.
(35293) No. 411.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir E. Goschen.
Foreign Office, August 1, 1914.
Tel. (No. 250.)
D. 3:10 P.M.
Russian Government has communicated to me the readiness of Austrian Government to discuss with Russia, and readiness of Russia to accept a basis of mediation, which is not open to objections raised to original formula suggested by Russia.
I still believe that if only a little respite in time can be gained before any Great Power begins war it might be possible to secure peace.
His Majesty's Government are carefully abstaining from any act that may precipitate matters, and I hope German Government may be able to make some use of the Russian communications referred to above to relieve tension. Things ought not to be hopeless while Russia and Austria are ready to converse.
Published in BB No. 131 (paraphrased).
Cf. Nos. 393 and 418.
(35294) No. 412.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir M. de Bunsen.
Foreign Office, August 1, 1914.
Tel. (No. 201.)
D. 3 15 P.M.
European crisis. The Austro-Hungarian Ambassador called upon me this morning and communicated to me the substance of a telegram which had been sent by the Austro-Hungarian Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Austro-Hungarian Ambassador in Paris, in which the latter was instructed to inform the French Minister for Foreign Affairs that the Austro-Hungarian Government had no intention of territorial aggrandisement in Servia, or of impairing the sovereign rights of that country. His Excellency was further instructed, with regard to the report which had been published in Paris that Austria-Hungary intended to occupy the Sanjak, to state that there was no truth in that report.
Subsequent to this call, Count Mensdorff called again at the Foreign Office, and communicated the substance of a telegram which was sent yesterday by Count Berchtold to the Austro-Hungarian Ambassador in St. Petersburg, to the effect that Count Berchtold had sent yesterday for the Russian Ambassador in Vienna and had explained to him that there was a wholly erroneous impression in St. Petersburg that Austria-Hungary had "banged the door" on all further conversations, and Count Berchtold had begged the Russian Ambassador to do his best to remove this impression, which the Ambassador had promised to do. On this occasion Count Berchtold reiterated to the Russian Ambassador the assurance which he had already given at St. Petersburg, that Austria-Hungary did not contemplate either the acquisition of Servian territory or an infraction of Servian sovereign rights.
Count Mensdorff called special attention to the statement contained in this telegrarn that Austria-Hungary had not broken off conversations with St. Petersburg.
(Sent to Paris No. 296; Berlin No. 251; Rome No. 24; and St. Petersburg No. 427.)
Published in BB No. 137 (paraphrased).
Cf. A III Nos. 94, 62 and 66.
(35290) No. 413.
Sir F. Bertie to Sir Edward Grey.
Paris, August 1, 1914.
D. 1:25 P.M.
Tel. (No. 109.)
R. 3:45 P.M.
Following for War Office from Military Attaché: "War Office state that order given last night for five French covering army corps to close up. Following should be position this evening. Second corps Montmedy Verdun sixth Verdun Toul; twentieth Nancy; twenty-first Epinal; seventh Belfort. Germans reported still moving to frontier."
(35302) No. 414.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.
Peking, August 1, 1914.
D. 8:50 P.M.
Tel. (No. 140.)
R. 4 P.M.
Six officers and 110 men of German contingent have left for Tsingtau with their
machine-guns, not howitzers. All German reservists throughout China are ordered to
proceed to Tsingtau where German, Austrian and Italian ships of war are concentrating.
German authorities have warned British Subjects to be ready to leave.
Hong Kong and Admiralty informed.
(35278) No. 415.
Sir F. Villiers to Sir Edward Grey.
Brussels, August 1, 1914.
D. 11:37 A.M.
Tel. (No. 8.)
R. 4 :5 P.M.
My telegram No. 6 of yesterday.(1)
Minister for Foreign Affairs informs me that decision to mobilise at once was taken, firstly, in view of similar measure in Holland; secondly, to prove for external and internal purposes that Belgium is determined to defend neutrality; thirdly, because reorganisation having been so recently introduced, some confusion and delay may occur, and the Belgian Government are of course desirous that an emergency should not find their preparations unpremeditated.
(1)No. 377.
(2) The substance of the last two lines seems to have been added to the paraphrase of No.
395, published in BB No. 128.
(35299) No. 416.
Sir G. Barclay to Sir Edward Grey.
My immediately preceding telegram of 31st July (1).
Bucharest, August 1, 1914.
D. 11:30 A.M.
Tel. (No. 28.)
R. 4:15 P.M.
I have refrained from advising neutrality as I feel uncertain as to attitude of Roumania, which may give Russia pause, but, on the other hand, I feel that Great Britain's advice might carry weight. Roumania's avowed objection to remaining neutral is that in the general settlement she may suffer. The fact that Great Britain has advised neutrality might diminish this fear.
Cf. No. 432.
(1) No. 350.
(34855) No. 417.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir E. Goschen.
Foreign Office, August 1, 1914.
Tel. (No. 252.)
D. 5 P.M.
Following telegram from M. Sazonof to Count Benckendorff of 31st July communicated to me to-day:
"(Urgent.)
"Formule amendée conformément à la proposition anglaise: 'Si Autriche consent à arrêter la marche de ses troupes sur le territoire
serbe et si, reconnaissant que le conflit Austro-Serbe a assum‚ le caractère d'une question
d'intérêt européen, elle admet que les grandes puissances examinent la satisfaction que la Serbie pourrait accorder au gouvernement Austro-Hongrois sans laisser porter atteinte à ses droits d'état souverain et à son indépendance, la Russie s'engage à conserver son attitude expectante."
Published in BB No. 132.
See No. 393 and R No. 67.
(35860) No. 418.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir E. Goschen.
Foreign Office, August 1, 1914.
Tel. (No. 253.)
D. 5:5 P.M
. M. de Etter came to-day to communicate the contents of a telegram from M. Sazonof, dated 31st July, which are as follows:
"The Austro-Hungarian Ambassador declared the readiness of his Government to discuss the substance of the Austrian ultimatum to Servia.(1). Sazonof replied by expressing his satisfaction, and said it was desirable that the discussions should take place in London with the participation of the Great Powers.
"M. Sazonof hoped that the British Government would assume the direction of these discussions. The whole of Europe would be thankful to them. It would be very important that Austria should meanwhile put a stop provisionally to her military action on Servian territory."
(The above has been communicated to all the six Powers.)
Published in BB No. 132.
The original telegram has been published in R II but is not included in "Un Livre Noir."
(1) For the conversation between M. Sazonof and the Austro-Hungarian Ambassador, see A III Nos. 44, 4 and 97.
[NOTE. From Count Szá páry's account it appears that this statement as to the result of the conversation is not quite correct. Count Berchtold had authorised the Ambassador to explain the text of the Austrian note to Serbia, but not to allow the substance of it to become the basis of negotiation. In his telegram to Vienna, Count Szápáry himself says that M. Sazonof "appeared to attach an exaggerated importance to what I said" as the conversation did not bring out "the purely retrospective and theoretical character of the conversation about the text of the note."]
(35309) No. 419.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir F. Bertie.
Foreign Office, August 1, 1914.
Tel. (No. 297.)
D. 5:25 P.M.
The war. I have definitely refused all overtures to give Germany any promise of neutrality, and shall not entertain any such suggestion unless it were on conditions that seemed real advantages for France.(1)
German Ambassador here seemed to think it not impossible, when I suggested it, that after mobilisation on western frontier French and German armies should remain, neither crossing the frontier as long as the other did not do so. I cannot say whether this would be consistent with French obligations under her alliance. If it were so consistent, I suppose French Government would not object to our engaging to be neutral as long as German army remained on frontier on the defensive.(2)
For Prince Lichnowsky's account of this conversation see DD No. 596.
Cf. also ib. Nos. 562 and 570.
(1) No. 352.
(2) [NOTE. For the later history of this suggestion see Nos. 453 and 460; also DD Nos. 630 and 631; Grey, Vol. II, p. 312; Prince Lichnowsky's "My Mission to London, 1912-14," and the following statement made by Sir E. Grey in the House of Commons on August 28, 1914:
"Lord Robert Cecil asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the publication by the German Government of certain proposals which are alleged to have been made to secure French and English neutrality during the War; and whether the publication is complete and accurate?
"Sir E. Grey: I have seen an incomplete publication. The circumstances were as follows: It was reported to me one day that the German Ambassador had suggested that Germany might remain neutral in a war between Russia and Austria, and also engage not to attack France, if we would remain neutral and secure the neutrality of France. I said at once that if the German Government thought such an arrangement possible I was sure we could secure it. It appeared, however, that what the Ambassador meant was that we should secure the neutrality of France if Germany went to war with Russia. This was quite a different proposal, and, as I supposed it in all probability to be incompatible with the terms of the Franco-Russian Alliance, it was not in my power to promise to secure it. Subsequently, the Ambassador sent for my private secretary and told him that as soon as the misunderstanding was cleared up, he had sent a second telegram to Berlin to cancel the impression produced by the first telegram he had sent on the subject. The first telegram has been published. This second telegram does not seem to have been published."]
(35311) No. 420.
Sir M. de Bunsen to Sir Edward Grey.
Vienna, August 1, 1914.
D. 10 A.M.
Tel. (No. 136.)
R. 5:45 P.M.
As no press telegrams can be sent, following may be of interest:
Official Vienna Gazette states that the general mobilisation is occasioned by Russian mobilisation, implying no aggressive tendency whatever, but is precautionary step for necessary protection of Monarchy.
Moratorium of fourteen days is declared for private debts.
"Fremdenblatt " says that Russia acts as if we were attacking one of her vassal states, but we wish Servia to be really independent; we would feign believe the assurances of the Russian Government that Russia has no aggressive intentions, but we cannot leave our northern frontier unprotected.
(35330) No. 421.
Mr. Crackanthorpe to Sir Edward Grey.
Nish, August 1, 1914.
D. 9 A.M.
Tel. (No. 78.)
R. 6 P.M.
British Vice-Consul at Belgrade telephoned that firing yesterday, which was directed against all quarters of the town, ceased in the evening and night was quiet. Vice-Consul believes that strenuous defence of Belgrade is now contemplated and doubtless Prince George, who is a firebrand, would favour this .... I have therefore reminded Servian Government that in this event British subjects should receive due notice.
One of our flags has been flying uninterruptedly over British Legation.
(35362) No. 422.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir G. Buchanan.
Foreign Office, August 1, 1914.
Tel. (No. 428.)
D. 6:30 P.M.
Information reaches me from a most reliable source that Austrian Government have informed German Government that, though the situation has been changed by the mobilisation of Russia, they would, in full appreciation of the efforts of England for the preservation of peace, be ready to consider favourably my proposal for mediation between Austria and Servia. The understanding of this acceptance would naturally be that the Austrian military action against Servia would continue for the present, and that the British Government would urge upon Russian Government to stop the mobilisation of troops directed against Austria, in which case Austria would naturally cancel those defensive military counter-measures in Galicia which have been forced upon Austria by Russian mobilisation.
You should inform Minister for Foreign Affairs and say that, if in the consideration of the acceptance of mediation by Austria, Russia can agree to stop mobilisation, it appears still to be possible to preserve peace. Presumably the matter should be discussed with German Government also by Russian Government.
(Repeated to Paris No. 297, and Berlin No. 254.)
Published in BB No. 135.
(35336) No. 423.
Sir M. de Bunsen to Sir Edward Grey.
Vienna, August 1, 1914.
D. 1:10 P.M.
Tel. (No. 137.)
R. 6:40 P.M.
Following for D.M.O. from military attaché:
"My Russian colleague asked for my opinion yesterday concerning chances of the transfer of army of Balkans against the Russian forces if the war was extended.
"I said that it depended on Servia but that if withdrawal on a large scale took place Servians would escape punishment which Austria obviously wished to give them as the smaller decisions would be swallowed in the larger. For reasons of morality [sic] it would be difficult to withdraw troops from before the Servians. Detachments in Bosnia were much scattered and railway capacity small. In view of possible action by Roumania respectable force would have to remain in any case. If the Servians pressed too hard they might initiate a general engagement and permit prematurely detachment of Austrian forces. If they did not press enough they might be masked by insignificant forces and fail in their r“le. I said that their position in the general scheme should be explained to them and a Russian staff officer of high standing despatched there before it was late.
"My Russian colleague said that he agreed and was telegraphing in that sense to the General Staff.
"We agreed that Servians would draw off equivalent of 18 divisions as minimum and 24 as maximum."
No. 424.
Communication by the French Ambassador.
58, Cadogan Gardens, S.W.,
August 1, 1914.
Sir Edward Grey,
M. Cambon pointed out to me this afternoon that it was at our request that France had
moved her fleets to the Mediterranean, on the understanding that we undertook the
protection of her Northern and Western coast. As I understand you told him that you
would submit to the Cabinet the question of a possible German naval attack on French
Northern and Western Ports it would be well to remind the Cabinet of the above fact.
A. N.
I have spoken to the P.M. and attach great importance to the point being settled to-morrow E.G, 1.8.14.
(35313) No. 425.
Sir F. Bertie to Sir Edward Grey.
Paris, August 1, 1914.
D. 5:45 P.M.
Tel. (No. 110.)
R. 8 P.M.
Military attaché reports that Minister of War telephoned asking him to come and see him, which he did at 8:40 P.M. He said that orders for general mobilisation of French army were issued at 8:40. The reasons for doing this are that Minister of War knows that Germans have under their system of "Kriegszustand" called up six classes; three are sufficient to bring their covering troops up to war strength, remaining three will be reserve. He considers that this is tantamount to mobilisation, and is therefore a mobilisation under another name. There are eight army corps on a war footing opposed to French forces on frontier, and he expects an attack at any moment. Hence it is absolutely necessary to safeguard against this. He has left a zone of 10 kilom. between French troops and German frontier. French will not attack, and Minister of War is very anxious that it should be explained that this act of mobilisation is purely defensive. He ended by saying, " We rely on ourselves first and on you."
Published in BB No. 136 (paraphrased last sentence omitted).