[Footnote 205:  “Kriegs-Depeschen, 1914” ("German War-Telegrams, 1914").  Berlin, 1914; p. 96 et seq.]

If Professor Oncken is correct in stating that Sir Edward Grey’s measures were calculated to exercise a pressure on Germany and Austria, then he merely confirms what this country has hitherto believed—­Sir Edward Grey acted rightly.  Where else should he have exerted pressure except in the quarter from whence a provocative, insolent challenge had proceeded?

With regard to the assertion that Russia—­stiffened by England—­took a “momentous decision” on the evening of July 30th, Professor Oncken is guilty of distortion.  The decision to mobilize had been taken earlier, and as M. de l’Escaille wrote, was made public at four o’clock on the morning of July 30th.

Whether Russia had increased her demands ("peremptorily sharpened” are Oncken’s words) the reader can judge for himself by comparing the two texts.

I                            II
“If Austria, recognizing      “If Austria agrees to
that the Austro-Serbian        stay the advance of her
question has                   troops on Serbian territory,
assumed the character          and if, recognizing
of a European question,        that the Austro-Serbian
declares herself ready to      dispute has assumed the
eliminate from her ultimatum   character of a question
the points which               of European interest, she
infringe the sovereign         admits that the Great
rights of Serbia, Russia       Powers shall examine
engages to stop her            the satisfaction which
military preparations.”         Serbia might give to
(Russian Orange Book,          the Austro—­Hungarian
No. 60.)                       Government without
affecting her sovereign
rights and independence,
Russia undertakes
to maintain her waiting
attitude.” (French
Yellow Book, No. 113.)

Oncken, in making this comparison, comments:  “It is most remarkable that the original formula chosen by Sasonow had been peremptorily sharpened (einschneidend verschaerft) on July 31st at the request of the British Ambassador.  This interference by England in the formulation of the proposal must arouse the gravest doubt regarding the peaceful tendencies of England’s policy.  Sasonow had every reason to thank Grey ’for the firm, amicable tone which he has employed in his pourparlers with Germany and Austria.’"[206]

[Footnote 206:  “Deutschland und der Weltkrieg,” p. 553.  Oncken’s quotation in the last lines taken from the Russian Orange Book, No. 69.]

Sir Edward Grey had proposed five days earlier (July 26th) that all military measures should cease pending a settlement.  Hence the introduction of this clause is not a new demand.  Moreover, in the meantime Russia and Germany—­in spite of the latter’s denial—­had commenced to mobilize; Austria had mobilized and commenced hostilities against Serbia.  Thus there were far more urgent reasons to include the cessation of military measures on July 31st than before.  Lastly, it was the only acceptable pledge of Austrian sincerity which Russia could accept.  Whether the formula would have met with Austria’s approval cannot be determined, for Austria was saved from what Oncken terms “complete submission” by Germany’s ultimatum to Russia, despatched on the same day, July 31st.