oops would not move so long as
mediation negotiations continued."

"In this solemn hour I wish to assure you once more that I have
done all in my power to avert war. Now that it has been forced on
me, I trust your country will not fail to support France and
Russia. God bless and protect you."

Ambassador Bertie, telegraphing from Paris, reported an interview
that morning between the French Political Director and German
Ambassador Schoen.

"M. Berthelot pointed out that general mobilization in Russia had
not been ordered until after Austria had decreed a general
mobilization, and that the Russian Government were ready to
demobilize if all powers did likewise. It seemed strange to the
French Government that in view of this and of the fact that
Russia and Austria were ready to converse, the German Government
should have at that moment presented an ultimatum at St.
Petersburg requiring immediate demobilization by Russia. There
were no differences at issue between France and Germany, but the
German Ambassador had made a menacing communication to the French
Government and had requested an answer the next day, intimating
that he would have to break off relations and leave Paris if the
reply were not satisfactory. The French Government considered
that this was an extraordinary proceeding.

"The German Ambassador, who is to see the Minister for Foreign
Affairs again this evening, said nothing about demanding his
passports, but he stated that he had packed up."

Ambassador Bunsen telegraphed from Vienna that a general
mobilization of the Austro-Hungarian army and fleet had been
ordered. Minister Villiers telegraphed from Brussels:

"Belgium expects and desires that other powers will observe and
uphold her neutrality, which she intends to maintain to the
utmost of her power. In so informing me, Minister for Foreign
Affairs [Davignon] said that they believed that they were in a
position to defend themselves against intrusion. The relations
between Belgium and her neighbors were excellent, and there was
no reason to suspect their intentions; but he thought it well,
nevertheless, to be prepared against emergencies."

Grey telegraphed to Ambassador Goschen at Berlin that the Hamburg
authorities had detained British merchant ships on unknown grounds,
and instructed him to request the