be associated in the joint action of England and France; the
adherence of Germany is essential, for neither Austria nor Russia
would tolerate any intervention except that of impartial friends
or Allies."

M. Barrere, French Ambassador at Rome, informed M. Bienvenu-Martin
that a telegram from Vienna stated that diplomatic rupture between
Austria and Serbia had taken place, and Austria was proceeding to
military measures. Marquis di San Giuliano, the Prime Minister,
would return in two days to Rome. The president of the council had
given Barrere the impression that Italy would be neutral in case of
war, maintaining "an attitude of observation." M. Salandra
[afterward Prime Minister] had said that:

"'We shall make the greatest efforts to prevent peace being
broken; our situation is somewhat analogous to that of England.
Perhaps we could do something in a pacific sense together with
the English.' M. Salandra stated definitely to me that the
Austrian note had been communicated to Rome at the last moment."

M. Barrere, in a second telegram, said that the greater part of
Italian public opinion was hostile to Austria "in this serious
business."

M. Paleologue, French Ambassador at St. Petersburg, telegraphed that
M. Sazonof, Minister for Foreign Affairs, had advised Serbia to ask
for British mediation. M. Bienvenu-Martin thereupon telegraphed M.
de Fleuriau, Charge d'Affaires, London, that France desired British
mediation. M. Paleologue reported at greater length M. Sazonof's
determination to secure a peaceful solution to the Serbian question.

"'Up to the last moment,' he declared to me, 'I shall show myself
ready to negotiate.'

"It is in this spirit that he has just sent for Count Szapary to
come to a 'frank and loyal explanation.' M. Sazonof commented in
his presence on the Austro-Hungarian ultimatum, article by
article, making clear the insulting character of the principal
clauses. 'The intention which inspired this document,' he said,
'is legitimate if you pursued no aim other than the protection of
your territory against the intrigues of Serbian anarchists; but
the procedure to which you have had recourse is not defensible.'
He concluded: 'Take back your ultimatum, modify its form, and I
will guarantee you the result.'

"The Austro-Hungarian Ambassador showed himself moved by this
language; howev