CHAPTER V. Negotiators and Negotiations

NEGOTIATORS AND NEGOTIATIONS

Dramatis personae. §1. Germany's attitude to Russia and Austria--Presentation of the Austrian Note to Servia--Germany shields Austria--Conduct of Germany considered--Sir Edward Grey proposes mediation, and then a Conference of Four Powers--Germany's objections to a 'Conference'--Direct conversations between the Powers--Austria invited to suspend military action--Mobilization; on whom does responsibility lie?--War inevitable. §2. Germany's attitude to France--Germany accuses France of military preparations--Germany invades France. §3. The question of British neutrality--Possibility of England being involved--Germany warned--German 'bid for British neutrality'--England's refusal--France agrees, and Germany refuses, to respect Belgian neutrality--Prince Lichnowsky and Sir Edward Grey--Neutrality of Luxemburg violated--Germany demands a free passage through Belgium--Sir Edward Grey protests--Belgium invaded--England's ultimatum--The Imperial Chancellor urges necessity of Germany's action. §4. England and Servia--Sir Edward Grey realizes Russia's interest in Servia--He is only concerned for the peace of Europe--He urges mediation--He proposes a Conference. §5. Great Britain declines 'solidarity' with Russia and France--Proposals by MM. Sazonof and Poincaré--England's refusal--Was it wise?--The Austrian dossier. §6. Italy's comments on the situation--Significance of Italy's position--Italy's endeavours to prevent war--Italy's declaration of neutrality.

Note. Abstract of Austro-Hungarian note to Servia, and Servians reply.