e four powers, if necessary, I am
ready to propose that the German Secretary of State should
suggest the lines on which this principle should be applied. I
will, however, keep the idea in reserve until we see how the
conversations between Austria and Russia progress."

Grey telegraphed to Sir George Buchanan, Ambassador at St.
Petersburg, his satisfaction over prospect of direct exchange of
views between Russia and Austria, and readiness to facilitate this
if he knew what Sazonof, Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs,
proposes that the ministers at Belgrade do.

"Could he not first mention in an exchange of views with Austria
his willingness to cooperate in some such scheme? It might then
take more concrete shape."

Sir Edward Goschen, Ambassador at Berlin, telegraphed report to Grey
on the 28th inst. of an interview with the German Chancellor, Dr.
von Bethmann-Hollweg. The Chancellor was most anxious for Germany
and Great Britain to work together for European peace, as they had
successfully done in last preceding crisis. He could not accept the
four-power proposal, since the conference would look like an
"Areopagus" of two groups of two powers, each sitting in judgment
on two other powers, but this refusal should not militate against
his strong desire for effective cooperation. He was doing his best
at Vienna and St. Petersburg to get both powers into friendly direct
discussion, but if, as reported, Russia had mobilized fourteen army
corps in the south, this would put it out of his power to continue
preaching moderation at Vienna. Austria, who was only partially
mobilizing, would have to take similar measures; so, if war results,
Russia will be responsible.

Goschen remarked that surely part of the responsibility rested on
Austria for refusing to accept the almost wholly compliant reply of
Serbia, or to admit it as a basis for discussion. The Chancellor
repeated his views about the Serbian question being wholly Austria's
affair, with which Russia had nothing to do.

"Austrian colleague said to me to-day that a general war was most
unlikely, as Russia neither wanted nor was in a position to make
war. I think that that opinion is shared by many people here."

Ambassador Buchanan telegraphed from St. Petersburg report of
interview with M. Sazonof, the Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs,
who thanked Grey for his language to Prince Lichnowsky, the German
Ambassador