The German Ambassador [Baron von Schoen] has just visited
Viviani [Minister for Foreign Affairs] but told him nothing
fresh, alleging the impossibility of deciphering the telegrams he
has received. Viviani informed him of the signature of the order
for mobilization issued in reply to that of Germany, and
expressed to him his amazement that Germany should have taken
such a step at a moment when a friendly exchange of views was
still in progress between Russia, Austria, and the powers. He
added that mobilization did not necessarily entail war, and that
the German Ambassador might stay in Paris as the Russian
Ambassador had remained in Vienna and the Austrian Ambassador in
St. Petersburg."

_Great Britain._ George V sent the following telegram to William II:

"Many thanks for your telegram of last night. I have sent an
urgent telegram to Nicholas, in which I have assured him of my
readiness to do everything in my power to further the resumption
of the negotiations between the powers concerned."

Upon receipt of the telegram from the German Kaiser of August 1,
King George replied that there must be a misunderstanding in regard
to the suggestion of the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, made to the
German Ambassador, respecting avoidance of conflict between Germany
and France, while the possibility remained of an agreement being
arrived at between Austria and Russia.

"Sir Edward Grey will see Prince Lichnowsky early to-morrow
morning in order to ascertain whether there is any
misunderstanding on his side."

King George replied to the letter of President Poincare of July 31,
assuring him of cooperation of their two Governments in the interest
of peace.

"I admire the restraint which you and your Government are
exercising in not adopting an attitude which could in any wise be
interpreted as a provocative one."

Grey sent a personal message from King George to Nicholas II in
which he appealed to the czar to remove the misunderstanding that
had evidently produced the deadlock between Russia and Germany, and
offered his assistance in reopening the conversations between Russia
and Austria.

The Czar replied to King George that attempts at peace had been that
afternoon rendered futile by Germany's declaration of war, which was
wholly unexpected by him, since he had given William II "most
categorical assurances that my tr