emn
word" no provocative action would be taken by Russia "as long as
the negotiations between Austria and Servia continue" and this
notwithstanding the fact that Austria had flouted and ignored Russia,
had declared war against Servia and was then endeavoring to subjugate
it quickly by bombarding its capital and invading its territory with
superior forces.

It is true that the Czar did not order demobilization, and apart from
his unquestioned right to prepare for eventualities in the event of
the failure of the peace parleys, the Kaiser himself recognized in a
later telegram that in the case of Germany when mobilization had once
been started it could not be immediately arrested.

Simultaneously King George had telegraphed the Kaiser through Prince
Henry as follows:

Thanks for Your telegram; so pleased to hear of William's
efforts to concert with Nicky to maintain peace. Indeed I am
earnestly desirous that such an irreparable disaster as a
European war should be averted. My Government is doing its
utmost suggesting to Russia and France to suspend further
military preparations if Austria will consent to be
satisfied with occupation of Belgrade and neighboring
Servian territory as a hostage for satisfactory settlement
of her demands; other countries meanwhile suspending their
war preparations. Trust William will use his great influence
to induce Austria to accept this proposal, thus proving that
Germany and England are working together to prevent what
would be an international catastrophe. Pray assure William I
am doing and shall continue to do all that lies in my power
to preserve peace of Europe.[65]

[Footnote 65: Second German _White Paper_.]

The fairness of this proposal can hardly be disputed. It conceded to
Austria the right to occupy the capital of Servia and hold it as a
hostage for a satisfactory adjustment of her demands and even to
continue her military preparations, while all other nations, including
Russia, were to suspend their military preparations. As the Kaiser
precipitated the war because Russia would not cease its preparations
for eventualities, King George's proposal, upon which neither the
Kaiser nor his government ever acted, fully met his demands.

To this the Kaiser replied on July 31st:

Many thanks for kind telegram. Your proposals coincide with
My ideas and with the statements I got this night from