Sazonof expressed himself most
vigorously against the dissolution of the Narodna Odbrana, which
Serbia would never undertake. The participation of imperial and
royal officials in the suppression of the revolutionary movements
elicited further protest on the part of the minister. Serbia then
will no longer be master in her own house. 'You will always be
wanting to intervene again, and what a life you will lead
Europe!' I answered that if Serbia shows good will it will be a
quieter life than hitherto.

"The commentary added to the communication of the note was
listened to by the minister with fair composure; at the passage
that our feelings were shared by those of all civilized nations,
he observed that this was a mistake. With all the emphasis I
could command, I pointed out how regrettable it would be if we
could not come to an understanding with Russia on this question,
in which everything which is most sacred to us was at stake, and,
whatever the minister might say, everything which is sacred in
Russia. The minister attempted to minimize the monarchical side
of the question.

"With regard to the _dossier_ which was put at the disposal of
the Governments, M. Sazonof wanted to know why we had given
ourselves this trouble, as we had already delivered the
ultimatum. This was the best proof that we did not really desire
an impartial examination of the matter. I said to him that the
results which had been attained by our own investigations were
quite sufficient for our procedure in this matter, which had to
do with Austria-Hungary and Serbia, and that we were only ready
to give the powers further information if it interested them, as
we had nothing to keep secret.

"M. Sazonof said that now that the ultimatum had been issued he
was not in the least curious. He represented the matter as if we
only wanted to make war with Serbia whatever happened. I answered
that we were the most peace-loving power in the world, but what
we wanted was security for our territory from foreign
revolutionary intrigues, and the protection of our dynasty from
bombs....

"In spite of his relative calm, the attitude of the minister was
throughout unaccommodating and hostile."

The Russian "Official Gazette" announced that the Government were
closely and anxiously