tively at the present moment is not based upon an
engagement to cooperate in war.

"You have, however, pointed out that, if either Government had
grave reason to expect an unprovoked attack by a third power, it
might become essential to know whether it could in that event
depend upon the armed assistance of the other.

"I agree that, if either Government had grave reason to expect an
unprovoked attack by a third power, or something that threatened
the general peace, it should immediately discuss with the other
whether both Governments should act together to prevent
aggression and to preserve peace, and, if so, what measures they
would be prepared to take in common. If these measures involved
action, the plans of the General Staffs would at once be taken
into consideration, and the Governments would then decide what
effect should be given to them."

Ambassador Goschen telegraphed from Berlin to Sir Edward Grey:

"The Chancellor [Dr. von Bethmann-Hollweg] told me last night
that he was 'pressing the button' as hard as he could, and that
he was not sure whether he had not gone so far in urging
moderation at Vienna that matters had been precipitated rather
than otherwise."

_France._ M. Viviani, Prime Minister, informed the Ambassadors at
St. Petersburg and London that Germany had notified Russia of her
decision to mobilize unless Russia ceased her military preparations.

"M. Sazonof, Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs, declares that
in these circumstances Russia can only expedite her arming and
consider war as imminent; that she counts on the help of France
as an ally; and that she considers it desirable that England
should join Russia and France without loss of time.

"France is resolved to fulfill all the obligations of her
alliance.

"She will not neglect, however, any effort toward a solution of
the conflict in the interests of universal peace. The
conversation entered into between the powers which are less
directly interested still allows of the hope that peace may be
preserved; I therefore think it would be well that, in taking any
precautionary measures of defense, which Russia thinks must go
on, she should not immediately take any step which may offer to
Germany a pretext for a total or partial mobilization of her
forces.

"