On the other hand, upon what German measures did the Russian Government
base its order for mobilization? The British "White Paper" proves how
frivolously steps leading to the most serious results were ordered in
St. Petersburg. On July 30 Sir George Buchanan telegraphed:

M. Sazonof told us that absolute proof was in possession of the
Russian Government that Germany was making military and naval
preparations against Russia, more particularly in the direction of
the Gulf of Finland,--(British "White Paper" No. 97.)

Proofs Lacking.

On the other hand, Buchanan's telegram of July 31 (British "White
Paper" No. 113) states:

Russia has also reason to believe that Germany is making active
military preparations, and she cannot afford to let her get a
start.--(British "White Paper" No. 113.)

So, from one day to the next the "absolute proof" changed to a reason
for the assumption. In reality, both were assertions that lack all
proof.

The finishing part of a telegram sent by the British Ambassador in
Berlin to Sir Edward Grey on July 31 deserves special mention:

He [the German Secretary of State] again assured me that both the
Emperor William, at the request of the Emperor of Russia and the
German Foreign Office, had even up till last night been urging
Austria to show willingness to continue discussion--and telephonic