, in the consideration of the acceptance of mediation
by Austria, Russia can agree to stop mobilization, it appears
still to be possible to preserve peace. Presumably the matter
should be discussed with German Government also by Russian
Government."

Ambassador Bertie telegraphed from Paris that orders for general
mobilization had been given at 3.30 p. m., in answer to the German
_Kriegsgefahrzustand_ (imminence of war), which, by calling out
troops up to war strength, is tantamount to mobilization.

"The Minister of War is anxious that it should be explained that
this act of mobilization is one for purely defensive purposes."

Grey telegraphed to Ambassador Bunsen at Vienna an account of
interviews with the Austro-Hungarian Ambassador, in which Count
Mensdorff gave him assurances that Austria would not impair the
territorial integrity or sovereignty of Serbia, and said that,
contrary to report, Austria was willing to continue conversations
with Russia.

Ambassador Buchanan telegraphed Grey of an interview that morning
with the Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs, in which M. Sazonof
recounted his conversation with Count Szapary, the Austrian
Ambassador, the evening before, in which he proposed the London
conference.

Ambassador Bunsen telegraphed Grey from Vienna that the Russian
Ambassador, Schebeko, thought that, as mobilization is too expensive
to be continued long, Germany will attack Russia at once. Tension
now is greater between Russia and Germany than between Russia and
Austria. Russia would be satisfied, says Schebeko, with Austria's
acceptance of the new formula.

"He is going again to-day to point out to the Minister for
Foreign Affairs [Count Berchtold] that most terrific consequences
must ensue from refusal to make this slight concession. This time
Russia would fight to the last extremity. I agree with his
excellency that the German Ambassador at Vienna desired war from
the first, and that his strong personal bias probably colored his
action here. The Russian Ambassador is convinced that the German
Government also desired war from the first.

"It is the intention of the French Ambassador [Dumaine] to speak
earnestly to the Minister for Foreign Affairs to-day on the
extreme danger of the situation, and to ask whether proposals to
serve as a basis of mediation from any quarter are being
considered. There