Serbia and become the predominant power in the Balkans, and, if
she feels secure of the support of France, she will face all the
risks of war."

Sir Horace Rumbold, British Charge d'Affaires at Berlin, telegraphed
to Sir Edward Grey that Herr von Jagow, German Secretary of State,
had instructed the German Ambassador at Vienna, Herr von Tschirscky,
to present to Count Berchtold, Austro-Hungarian Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Grey's suggestion of an extension of the time limit for
Serbia's reply, but that, owing to Berchtold's absence from the
capital, the extension would probably not be granted. Von Jagow did
not know what Austria-Hungary had ready on the spot, but admitted
that they meant to take military action. He also admitted that
Serbia "could not swallow" certain of Austria-Hungary's demands.

"I asked whether it was not to be feared that, in taking military
action against Serbia, Austria would dangerously excite public
opinion in Russia. He said he thought not. He remained of opinion
that crisis could be localized. I said that telegrams from Russia
in this morning's papers did not look very reassuring, but he
maintained his optimistic view with regard to Russia. He said
that he had given the Russian Government to understand that the
last thing Germany wanted was a general war, and he would do all
in his power to prevent such a calamity. If the relations between
Austria and Russia became threatening, he was quite ready to fall
in with your suggestion as to the four powers working in favor of
moderation at Vienna and St. Petersburg.

"Secretary of State confessed privately that he thought the note
left much to be desired as a diplomatic document. He repeated
very earnestly that, though he had been accused of knowing all
about the contents of that note, he had in fact had no such
knowledge."

Sir Rennell Rodd, British Ambassador at Rome, telegraphed to Sir
Edward Grey that the Italian Secretary General was of opinion that
Austria will only be restrained by Serbia's unconditional surrender,
and that there was reliable information she intended to seize the
Saloniki Railway.

Sir Maurice de Bunsen, British Ambassador at Vienna, telegraphed Sir
Edward Grey that the language of the Vienna press left the
impression that the surrender of Serbia was neither expected nor
desired, and that Minister for Foreign Affairs Berchto