to M.
Bienvenu-Martin, that official German opinion supported Austria in
not abating her demands on Serbia. There was pessimism in diplomatic
circles. The Russian Charge d'Affaires, M. Broniewsky, had bitterly
noted the presentation of the note to Serbia during the absence from
France of the French President and Prime Minister. He thought that
William II, in his desire to support the monarchic principle, was
becoming less inclined to show a conciliatory attitude.

In a second letter M. Cambon reported an interview he had just had
with Herr von Jagow, German Secretary of State. The secretary
supported the Austrian note to Serbia. It was that country's
domestic affair, and he hoped that the dispute would be localized.

[Illustration: King Peter of Serbia.]

"I asked him if the Berlin Cabinet had really been entirely
ignorant of Austria's requirements before they were communicated
to Belgrade, and as he told me that that was so, I showed him my
surprise at seeing him thus undertake to support claims of whose
limit and scope he was ignorant.

"Herr von Jagow interrupted me, and said: 'It is only because we
are having a personal conversation that I allow you to say that
to me.'

"'Certainly,' I replied, 'but if Peter I humiliates himself,
domestic trouble will probably break out in Serbia; that will
open the door to fresh possibilities, and do you know where you
will be led by Vienna?' I added that the language of the German
newspapers was not the language of persons who were indifferent
to, and unacquainted with, the question, but betokened an active
support. Finally I remarked that the shortness of the time limit
given to Serbia for submission would make an unpleasant
impression in Europe.

"Herr von Jagow answered that he quite expected a little
excitement (_un peu d'emotion_) on the part of Serbia's friends,
but that he was counting on their giving her wise advice.

"'I have no doubt,' I then said to him, 'that Russia would
endeavor to persuade the Cabinet of Belgrade to make acceptable
concessions; but why not ask from one what is being asked from
the other, and if reliance is being placed on advice being given
at Belgrade, is it not also legitimate to rely on advice being
given at Vienna from another quarter?'

"The Secretary of State went so far as to say that that depended