e of the sentence thus italicized? It was Austria
which was the provocative factor. It was then bombarding Belgrade and
endeavoring to cross the Danube into Servia. It had declared war, and
brusquely refused even to discuss the question with Russia. It was
mobilizing its army, and making every effort to make a speedy
subjugation of Servia. If peace was to be preserved, the pressure must
begin with Austria. If any question remained for peace parleys, the
_status quo_ must be preserved. Russia could not permit Austria to
destroy Servia first and then discuss its justice.

Thereupon the Kaiser telegraphed the Czar as follows:

I have received Your telegram and I share Your desire for
the conservation of peace. However I cannot--as I told You
in my first telegram--consider the action of Austria-Hungary
as an "ignominious war." Austria-Hungary knows from
experience that the promises of Servia as long as they are
merely on paper are entirely unreliable.

According to my opinion the action of Austria-Hungary is to
be considered as an attempt to receive full guaranty that
the promises of Servia are effectively translated into
deeds. In this opinion I am strengthened by the explanation
of the Austrian Cabinet that Austria-Hungary intended no
territorial gain at the expense of Servia. I am therefore
of opinion that it is perfectly possible for Russia to
remain a spectator in the Austro-Servian war without drawing
Europe into the most terrible war it has ever seen. I
believe that a direct understanding is possible and
desirable between Your Government and Vienna, an
understanding which--as I have already telegraphed You--my
Government endeavors to aid with all possible effort.
Naturally military measures by Russia, which might be
construed as a menace by Austria-Hungary, would accelerate a
calamity which both of us desire to avoid and would
undermine my position as mediator which--upon Your appeal to
my friendship and aid--I willingly accepted.[62]

[Footnote 62: German _White Paper_, No. 22. See note, _post._, p.
189.]

The Kaiser's fatal error lies in the concluding paragraph of this
telegram, in claiming that Russia should not take any military
measures pending the Kaiser's mediation, _although Austria should be
left free not merely to make such preparations against Russia, but to
pursue its aggressive