CHRONOLOGICAL SKETCH OF THE CRISIS OF 1914

Diary of the Events leading to the War.


CHAPTER V

NEGOTIATORS AND NEGOTIATIONS

Dramatis personae. §1. _Germany's attitude to Russia and
Austria_--Presentation of the Austrian Note to Servia--Germany shields
Austria--Conduct of Germany considered--Sir Edward Grey proposes
mediation, and then a Conference of Four Powers--Germany's objections to
a 'Conference'--Direct conversations between the Powers--Austria invited
to suspend military action--Mobilization; on whom does responsibility
lie?--War inevitable. §2. _Germany's attitude to France_--Germany
accuses France of military preparations--Germany invades France. §3.
_The question of British neutrality_--Possibility of England being
involved--Germany warned--German 'bid for British neutrality'--England's
refusal--France agrees, and Germany refuses, to respect Belgian
neutrality--Prince Lichnowsky and Sir Edward Grey--Neutrality of
Luxemburg violated--Germany demands a free passage through Belgium--Sir
Edward Grey protests--Belgium invaded--England's ultimatum--The Imperial
Chancellor urges necessity of Germany's action. §4. _England and
Servia_--Sir Edward Grey realizes Russia's interest in Servia--He is
only concerned for the peace of Europe--He urges mediation--He proposes
a Conference. §5. _Great Britain declines 'solidarity' with Russia and
France_--Proposals by MM. Sazonof and Poincaré--England's refusal--Was
it wise?--The Austrian _dossier_. §6. _Italy's comments on the
situation_--Significance of Italy's position--Italy's endeavours to