erview that afternoon of Sir Edward with
Prince Lichnowsky, the German Ambassador.

"I would say to the ambassador that, of course, if the
presentation of this ultimatum to Serbia did not lead to trouble
between Austria and Russia, we need not concern ourselves about
it; but, if Russia took the view of the Austrian ultimatum, which
it seemed to me that any power interested in Serbia would take. I
should be quite powerless, in face of the terms of the
ultimatum, to exercise any moderating influence. I would say that
I thought the only chance of any mediating or moderating
influence being exercised was that Germany, France, Italy, and
ourselves, who had not direct interests in Serbia, should act
together for the sake of peace, simultaneously in Vienna and St.
Petersburg.

"M. Cambon said that, if there was a chance of mediation by the
four powers, he had no doubt that his Government would be glad to
join in it; but he pointed out that we could not say anything in
St. Petersburg till Russia had expressed some opinion or taken
some action. But, when two days were over, Austria would march
into Serbia, for the Serbians could not possibly accept the
Austrian demand. Russia would be compelled by her public opinion
to take action as soon as Austria attacked Serbia, and therefore,
once the Austrians had attacked Serbia, it would be too late for
any mediation.

"I said that I had not contemplated anything being said in St.
Petersburg until after it was clear that there must be trouble
between Austria and Russia. I had thought that if Austria did
move into Serbia, and Russia then mobilized, it would be possible
for the four powers to urge Austria to stop her advance, and
Russia also to stop hers, pending mediation. But it would be
essential for any chance of success for such a step that Germany
should participate in it.

"M. Cambon said that it would be too late after Austria had once
moved against Serbia. The important thing was to gain time by
mediation in Vienna. The best chance of this being accepted would
be that Germany should propose it to the other powers.

"I said that by this he meant a mediation between Austria and
Serbia.

"He replied that it was so."

Sir Edward Grey telegraphed the results of the interview with Prince
Lichnow