"

_Germany._ Military Attache Eggeling at St. Petersburg telegraphed
to William II that Prince Troubetzki had said to him yesterday:
"Thank God that a telegram from your emperor has come!"

"He has just told me the telegram has made a deep impression upon
the czar but as the mobilization against Austria had already been
ordered and Sazonof [Minister for Foreign Affairs] had convinced
his majesty that it was no longer possible to retreat, his
majesty was sorry he could not change it any more. I then told
him that the guilt for the measureless consequences lay at the
door of premature mobilization against Austria-Hungary which
after all was involved merely in a local war with Serbia, for
Germany's answer was clear and the responsibility rested upon
Russia which ignored Austria-Hungary's assurance that it had no
intentions of territorial gain in Serbia. Austria-Hungary
mobilized against Serbia and not against Russia and there was no
ground for an immediate action on the part of Russia. I further
added that in Germany one could not understand any more Russia's
phrase that 'she could not desert her brethren in Serbia' after
the horrible crime of Sarajevo. I told him finally he need not
wonder if Germany's army were to be mobilized."

At 1 a. m. the German Kaiser telegraphed to Nicholas II:

"My ambassador has instructions to direct the attention of your
Government to the dangers and serious consequences of a
mobilization. I have told you the same in my last telegram.
Austria-Hungary has mobilized only against Serbia, and only a
part of her army. If Russia, as seems to be the case, according
to your advice and that of your Government, mobilizes against
Austria-Hungary, the part of the mediator with which you have
intrusted me in such friendly manner and which I have accepted
upon your express desire, is threatened if not made impossible.
The entire weight of decision now rests upon your shoulders, you
have to bear the responsibility for war or peace."

HENRY OF PRUSSIA AND GEORGE V

The Czar at once replied:

"I thank you from my heart for your quick reply. I am sending
to-night Tatisheff (Russian honorary aide to the Kaiser) with
instructions. The military measures now taking form were decided
upon five days ago, and for the reason of defense against the