“We come to July 3ist.  In Vienna a decision was to be arrived at on that day.  By our representations we had already brought it about that Vienna, which for a time was not in direct communication with St. Petersburg, had commenced direct discussion again.  But before Vienna could come to a final decision, the news came that Russia was mobilizing—­i.e., against us too—­her whole forces. (Cries of indignation.) The Russian Government, although fully aware from our repeated representations what a mobilization on our frontiers means, did not notify this step to us, and gave us no explanations concerning it.

“As late as the afternoon of July 31st a telegram came from the Czar to the Kaiser in which the former pledged himself that his army should take up no provocative attitude against us. (Great excitement.) But the hostile mobilization on the Russian frontier was in full swing during the night July 30th-31st.  While we were mediating in Berlin the Russian armies appeared on our long and almost entirely open frontier.  France was not yet mobilizing, but, as she admits, was already taking precautionary measures.

“And we?  Up till then we had not—­the Imperial Chancellor spoke with great emotion and repeatedly struck the table while uttering these words—­called up a single reservist, out of a loving regard for the peace of Europe. (Loud cries of ‘Bravo!’) Were we then to wait on in patience till the Powers between which we are wedged should choose their moment to strike? (A hurricane of voices, ‘No!’) To expose Germany to this danger would be a crime. (Stormy, general and long continued cries of ‘Quite true!’ and ‘Bravo!’ in which the Social Democrats joined too.)

“Therefore on July 31st we requested Russia to demobilize as the only measure which could save the European peace. (Loud applause.) The Imperial Ambassador in St. Petersburg further received instructions to inform the Russian Government, that in case our demand was rejected, we should consider ourselves in a state of war with Russia.  The Imperial Ambassador has carried out these instructions.

“What answer Russia accorded to our demand for demobilization we do not know even to-day.  Telegraphic announcements on this point have not reached us, although matters of far less importance have been sent over the wires.  Hence, long after the expiration of the stated time, the Kaiser saw himself compelled to mobilize our forces at 5 o’clock on August 1st.

“Simultaneously, it was necessary for us to inquire regarding France’s attitude.  In answer to our definite question whether, in case of a Russo-German war, France would remain neutral, the French Government has replied that they will act as their interests dictate. (Laughter.) This was at least an evasion, if not a negative answer to our question.

“In spite of this, the Kaiser ordered that the French frontier should be respected.  This order was strictly obeyed with one single exception.  France, who mobilized at the same time as ourselves, declared that she would respect a ten-kilometre zone along her frontiers. (Cries of indignation.) And what happened in reality?  Their airmen have thrown bombs, cavalry patrols have violated our territory, and companies have broken into Alsace-Lorraine. (Indignation.) Therewith, France, although war has not yet been declared, has attacked our territories.