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For Russia to sit still and watch in the responsible position of trusted friend to Serbia. Serbia crushed would be the act, not of a friend but of a foe. On July 24th, the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs told the British Ambassador at St. Petersburg that Austria's conduct was provocative and immoral, that some of her demands were impossible of acceptance; that Austria would not have taken such action unless Germany had first been consulted; and that if Austria began military measures against Serbia, Russia would probably be compelled to mobilise.
The Russian Minister on the same day, July 24th, sent a message to Austria that, if the Powers were to help in smoothing the situation, the time-limit allowed to Serbia was quite insufficient, and he urged that Austria should prolong the time-limit, and publish the proofs of the charges against Serbia.
Sir Edward Grey on this date had an important interview with the Austrian Ambassador, and while sympathising with Austria, expressed his regret that a time-limit, and so short a one, had been imposed. He also said: "I have never before seen one State "address to another independent State a document of so formidable a character." He took the view that the merits of the dispute between Austria and Serbia were not the concern of the British Government, which could only concern itself with the matter simply and solely from the point of view of the peace of Europe.
Sir Edward Grey also interviewed the German Ambassador, and urged that the only way would be for the four Great Powers, Germany, France, Italy and Britain, to work together simultaneously at the Austrian and Russian capitals, and that no one could influence Austria except Germany.
July 25th, Saturday. On this day the Russian Prime Minister assured the British Ambassador that if Austria would allow her case against Serbia to be put before the Great Powers, Russia would be quite ready to stand aside and leave the question in the hands of Britain, Germany, France and Italy. Could anything be more reasonable? But Austria, supported by Germany, would not consent.
On the same day the British Ambassador to Austria informed Sir Edward Grey that the "language of the (Austrian) Press this morning leaves the impression that the surrender "of Serbia is neither expected nor really desired."
In the afternoon, the Serbian Government presented their reply to the Austrian Minister to Serbia. It accepted the whole ten demands, with certain very moderate reservations designed to preserve the integrity and independence of their country. The Serbian reply went far beyond anything which any Power, even Germany, had ever thought probable, but nothing would satisfy Austria, which, backed by Germany, did not wish for a peaceable
settlement.
At 6.30 in the evening, the Austrian terms not having been agreed to unconditionally, the Austrian Minister took his departure from Serbia. The same evening the Serbian Government left the Capital for Nish, as the Capital was too near the Austrian frontier for safety.
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During these brief 48 hours Great Britain made three attempts to preserve peace. First, before all things, the time-limit had to be extended. Great Britain and Russia urged this upon Austria, and Great Britain urged Germany to join in pressing the Austrian Government to consent. The attitude of Germany may be understood when all that it could be induced to do was to it
pass ou the request; that is, Germany would not join in urging it. Secondly, Sir Edward Grey urged that Britain, France, Germany and Italy should work together in Austria and Russia for conciliation. Italy, France, Russia, all promptly Germany postponed the appeal by saying that she had no objection "if relations between Austria and Russia became threatening."
assented.
Thirdly, the Russian, French and British representatives in Serbia were instructed to advise Serbia to go as far as possible to meet Austria; advice which Serbia willingly accepted. It was all in vain. What more could England do?
July 26th, Sunday. A part of the Austrian army was mobilised.
Sir Edward Grey still pursued his efforts towards mediation by the four Powers. Russia, France and Italy all agreed to a meeting of their Ambassadors in London, Germany, which had previously given a limited consent, now raised objection. The Emperor of Germany had suddenly returned from his northern cruise, and the German Government withdrew from mediation. Sir Edward Grey on this day again telegraphed asking that the Ambassadors of the four neutral nations, England, Germany, France and Italy, should be authorised to confer with a view to prevent complications. Italy immediately agreed.
July 27th, Monday. The French Government officially accepted Sir Edward Grey's invitation. The German Government gave its reply on the 26th, which reached England on the 27th, declining to accept the Conference, and saying that Russia and Austria were themselves discussing the question direct.
Belgium, anxiously watching the march of events, decided to mobilise its army for self defence-a vital mobilisation that proved not a day too soon, for a week later Germany commenced hostilities against her, and it was only this timely mobilisation that later enabled her to check the mighty advance of the Germany Army for more than a week.
Sir Edward Grey still pursued his efforts for peace, and obtained a partial promise from the German Ambassador of assent to mediation. At the same time he showed that Russia had exercised her influence on Servia in inducing her to submit to Austria's humiliating terms; and now it was for Germany to use her influence with Austria. It was well known that Austria would listen to none but Germany, and would not refuse Germany's wishes.
On this day also, Russia felt it her duty to make it quite clear to Austria, and there- fore to Germany, that war against Serbia could not be limited to those two countries, and that Russia would be compelled to protect Serbia. The inevitable result would be that Europe would be dragged into war, France to support her ally Russia, and Germany to support her ally Austria.
July 28th, Tuesday. Despite Russia's warning, Austria definitely declared war upon Serbia.
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