accept such a combination, Grey decided
to turn it into an official proposal, which he communicated
yesterday to Berlin, Paris, and Rome."

M. Sazonof replied by telegraph that the British Ambassador at St.
Petersburg, Sir George Buchanan, had asked him if the Russian
Government thought it desirable for Great Britain to take the
initiative in convoking a conference in London of the four powers.

"I replied that I have begun conversations with the
Austro-Hungarian Ambassador under conditions which, I hope, may
be favorable. I have not, however, received as yet any reply to
the proposal made by me for revising the note between the two
Cabinets.

"If direct explanations with the Vienna Cabinet were to prove
impossible, I am ready to accept the British proposal, or any
other proposal of a kind that would bring about a favorable
solution of the conflict.

"I wish, however, to put an end from this day forth to a
misunderstanding which might arise from the answer given by the
French Minister of Justice to the German Ambassador, regarding
counsels of moderation to be given to the Imperial [Russian]
Cabinet."

This telegram Benckendorff communicated to Grey on the following
day.

M. Sazonof telegraphed to the Russian Ambassadors at Paris, London,
Berlin, Vienna, and Rome that the Serbian reply exceeded
expectations in its moderation and desire to afford the fullest
satisfaction.

"We do not see what further demands could be made by Austria,
unless the Vienna Cabinet is seeking for a pretext for war with
Serbia."

M. Isvolsky, Russian Ambassador at Paris, telegraphed to M. Sazonof
that the German Ambassador, Baron von Schoen, had confirmed his
declaration of yesterday in writing, i.e.:

"1. That Austria has declared to Russia that she seeks no
territorial acquisitions and that she harbors no designs against
the integrity of Serbia. Her sole object is to secure her own
peace and quiet.

"2. That consequently it rests with Russia to avoid war.

"3. That Germany and France, entirely at one in their ardent
desire to preserve peace, should exercise their moderating
influence upon Russia.

"Baron von Schoen laid special emphasis on the expression of
solidarity of Germany and France. The Minister of Justice is
convinced that these steps on the part of Germany are taken wi