- 14 -
"True to the cordial friendship which has firmly"united us both for a long time, 1 shall use my entire"influence to induce Austria-Hungary to come to a frank"and satisfactory understanding with Russia."
And in his telegram to the Czar of the 29 th of July theGerman Emperor said:
"I believe that a direct understanding is possible"and desirable between Your Government and Vienna," an understanding which — as I have already wired"You — my Government will endeavour to foster to the"best of their ability."
The Kaiser, it ought to be remembered, added the words:"Of course, military measures on the part of Russia which Austria -" Hungary might regard as a threat, would accelerate a calamity which"both of us desire to avoid, and would also undermine my position"as mediator which I have - upon Your appeal to my friendship"and aid - willingly accepted."
This state of affairs is confirmed by a telegram of SirEdward Grey to the British Ambassador at St. Petersburgh ofthe 31 st of July (Blue Book No. 110) according to which SirEdward Grey had heard from the German Ambassador at London that, "as a result of suggestions by the German Govern-ment" a conversation had taken place at Vienna between CountBerchtold and M. Schébéko, and that the Austro-Hungarian Ambassa-dor at St. Petersburgh had also been instructed to see theRussian Minister for Foreign Affairs, and to give him explanationsconcerning the Austro-Hungarian ultimatum to Servia. Sir GeorgeBuchanan was further to discuss any suggestions and questionsaffecting the Austro- Russian relations. Sir Edward Grey added,that he had learnt with great satisfaction that direct negotiationswere being resumed between Austria and Russia .
In open contradiction with the statement contained in theFrench Yellow Book that Germany had never earnestly advisedVienna to yield, it is therefore proved that upon the German Emperor's intervention the Austro-Hungarian Government has, in