which may arise between Austria and Russia, the question must be raised as to whether the Governments of these States are willing to entrust an official mediation to a conference of four other great Powers.  For the success of the mediation proposal it would be more practical if the means to this end were made as simple as possible, and that use was made of the current diplomatic discussions, in immediate communication with the capitals of the Empires in question, in order to carry through a mediatory action to the result desired on all sides.

“In the employment of these means Germany would not fail to support the Western Powers as she has already done up to the present."[5]

[Footnote 5:  Koelnische Zeitung, July 28th.]

I have carefully searched the official publications of the Central Powers (Germany’s White Book; Austria’s Orange Book), and can find no record in them of any pacific action on Germany’s part in either of the European capitals; hence the claims made in the above article seem to be an exaggeration.

It appears incredible that these Powers should have omitted to give proof of such action when making their case public for the sole purpose of proving their innocence before the world.  On the other hand, the impression given by these books is that Germany and Austria’s attitude was: 

To SERBIA:  The conditions must be accepted ad hoc to the smallest tittle and comma.  Alternative, war.

To RUSSIA:  What we have determined upon is unalterable and inevitable, and you must submit to this decision.  Alternative, war.

The Goerlitzer Nachrichten published the following paragraph on July 30th:  “Vienna, July 29th.  After having made inquiries in official circles, the morning papers make this announcement:  Count Berchtold has informed the English Ambassador that the Austro-Hungarian Government is grateful for Grey’s mediation proposal, and appreciates the good intentions of the British Government.  A peaceful solution of the conflict with Serbia is, however, no longer possible, as the declaration of war had already been signed.”

Before leaving this all-important episode, it is instructive to compare three other versions of the reason for refusing a conference.  Sir Edward Grey mooted the proposal for a conference to the ambassadors in London on Friday, July 24th.  On the afternoon he requested the British Ambassador in Berlin to propose the conference to the German Government.

In spite of this, document No. 12 in the German White Book, a telegram from the German Chancellor to Prince Lichnowsky in London runs:  “We know nothing here of a proposal from Sir Edward Grey to hold a conference of four in London, etc.”  Another telegram, document No. 15, bearing the same date and likewise from Bethmann-Hollweg to Lichnowsky is as follows:  “We have immediately commenced the mediatory action in Vienna in the sense desired by Sir Edward Grey.  Furthermore, we have informed Count Berchtold of M. Sasonow’s desire to communicate with him direct."[6]