rg and Vienna; that he had frequently expressed to
me his regret at seeing the two groups of alliances always
opposed to each other in Europe, and that here he had an
opportunity of proving that there was a European spirit, by
showing four Powers belonging to the two groups acting in
common agreement to prevent a struggle. Herr von Jagow
evaded the matter by saying that Germany had her engagements
with Austria. _I pointed out that the relations of Germany
with Vienna were no more close than those of France with
Russia, and that it was he himself who raised the question
of the two opposed groups of alliances._

The Secretary of State then said that he did not refuse to
act with a view to avoiding an Austro-Russian conflict, but
that he could not intervene in the Austro-Servian conflict.
"One is the consequence of the other," I said, "and it would
be well to prevent the creation of any new state of affairs
calculated to bring about the intervention of Russia."

As the Secretary of State persisted in saying that he was
obliged to observe his engagements with regard to Austria,
_I asked him if he had pledged himself to follow Austria
everywhere blindfold_, and if he had made himself acquainted
with the Servian reply to Austria, which had been handed to
him that morning by the Servian Charge d'Affaires. "_I have
not yet had time_," he said. "I regret it," I replied. "You
will see that except on points of detail Servia has yielded
completely. It would seem, however, that since Austria has
obtained the satisfaction, which your support procured her,
you might to-day advise her to be content, or to examine
with Servia the terms of the Servian reply."

As Herr von Jagow did not answer me clearly, I asked him if
Germany wanted war. He protested energetically, saying that
he knew that that was my idea but that it was completely
incorrect. "You must then," I replied, "act in consequence.
_When you read the Servian reply, weigh the terms with your
conscience, I beg you in the name of humanity, and do not
personally assume a portion of the responsibility for the
catastrophe, whose preparation you are allowing._" Herr von
Jagow protested again, adding that he was ready to join
England and France in any common effort, but that some form
mus