The attitude of the Imperial government in this question is clearly indicated.  The agitation conducted by the pan-Slavs in Austria-Hungary has for its goal, with the destruction of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, the scattering or weakening of the triple alliance with a complete isolation of the German Empire in consequence.  Our own interest therefore calls us to the side of Austria-Hungary.  The duty, if at all possible, to guard Europe against a universal war, points to the support by ourselves of those endeavors which aim at the localization of the conflict, faithful to the course of those policies which we have carried out successfully for forty-four years in the interest of the preservation of the peace of Europe.

Should, however, against our hope, through the interference of Russia the fire be spread, we should have to support, faithful to our duty as allies, the neighbor-monarchy with all the power at our command.  We shall take the sword only if forced to it, but then in the clear consciousness that we are not guilty of the calamity which war will bring upon the peoples of Europe.

EXHIBIT 3.

Telegram of the Imperial Ambassador at Vienna to the Chancellor on July 24th 1914.

Count Berchtold has asked to-day for the Russian Charge d’affaires in order to explain to him thoroughly and cordially Austria-Hungary’s point of view toward Servia.  After recapitulation of the historical development of the past few years, he emphasized that the Monarchy entertained no thought of conquest toward Servia.  Austria-Hungary would not claim Servian territory.  It insisted merely that this step was meant as a definite means of checking the Serb intrigues.  Impelled by force of circumstance, Austria-Hungary must have a guaranty for continued amicable relations with Servia.  It was far from him to intend to bring about a change in the balance of powers in the Balcan.  The Charge d’affaires who had received no instructions from St. Petersburg, took the discussion of the Secretary “ad referendum” with the promise to submit it immediately to Sasonow.

EXHIBIT 4.

Telegram of the Imperial Ambassador at St. Petersburg to the Chancellor on July 24th 1914.

I have just utilized the contents of Order 592 in a prolonged interview with Sasonow.  The Secretary (Sasonow) indulged in unmeasured accusations toward Austria-Hungary and he was very much agitated.  He declared most positively that Russia could not permit under any circumstances that the Servo-Austrian difficulty be settled alone between the parties concerned.

EXHIBIT 5.

The Imperial Ambassador at St. Petersburg to the Chancellor.  Telegram of July 26th 1914.

The Austro-Hungarian Ambassador had an extended interview with Sasonow this afternoon.  Both parties had a satisfactory impression as they told me afterwards.  The assurance of the Ambassador that Austria-Hungary had no idea of conquest but wished to obtain peace at last at her frontiers, greatly pacified the Secretary.