File No. 763.72/4 The Chargé d'Affaires in Russia (Wilson) to the Secretary of State Situation though still acute less 30 than yesterday and chances of peace improved, though army clamoring for war. WILSON File No. 763.72/5 The Ambassador in Germany (Gerard) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] AMERICAN EMBASSY, Berlin, July 27, 1914, 4 p. m. [Received 1.30 p. m.] I have reason to believe matters will be arranged without general European war. I have postponed my [departure?] until August 12. GERARD File No. 763.72/6 The Vice Consul General at Budapest (Mallett) to the Secretary of State AMERICAN CONSULATE GENERAL, Budapest, July 13, 1914. The impression prevails at present in Budapest that a war between Austria-Hungary and Servia is unavoidable, and that hostilities will begin soon after the crops are harvested. Although the Budapest newspapers have been forbidden by the military authorities to publish any news in regard to mobilization, it is known nevertheless to quite a number of persons in Budapest that two or three army corps are being mobilized at present near the Servian frontier in Hungary and in Bosnia. The newspapers have also been forbidden to publish anything in regard to a military cordon, which will be established along the frontier between Servia and Austria-Hungary. The purpose of this military cordon is to prevent desertions of Servians who are in the Austro-Hungarian Army and to prevent the entrance into Bosnia of Servians. The Hungarian Minister of War has issued an order forbidding the sale of horses to Servians or to any foreigners. F. E. MALLETT File No. 763.72/20 The Austro-Hungarian Ambassador (Dumba) to the Secretary of No. 171/res.] State [Translation] AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN EMBASSY, Manchester, Massachusetts, July 24, 1914. [Received July 27.] EXCELLENCY: By direction of my Government I have the honor to make the following communication to your excellency: In view of the results of the investigation of the assassination at Sarajevo of His Imperial and Royal Highness Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, and of the systematic stirring up of the Slav population of the Monarchy in the south now carried on for years by the Kingdom of Servia, the Imperial and Royal Government finds itself constrained to demand of the Royal Servian Government certain guaranties that further agitation be prevented. The Imperial and Royal Envoy at Belgrade has therefore delivered a note to the Royal Servian Government, on the 23d of this month, asking it to accept a number of demands in this connection within forty-eight hours. Accept [etc.] File No. 763.72/15 C. DUMBA The Chargé d'Affaires in Russia (Wilson) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] AMERICAN EMBASSY, St. Petersburg, July 28, 1914, 11 p. m. News of Austrian declaration of war against Servia just been known and causing great excitement and apprehension. Russian mobilization has been going on quietly several days though decree not published officially as reported in Embassy's telegram of July 27 [26], noon. The decree now expected momentarily. Strongest influences in highest circles being brought upon Emperor to declare war and I greatly fear Russian intervention inevitable. Am informed by German Embassy that this move will result in German intervention. It is believed here that England and Italy will try not to be drawn in unless forced by later complications. File No. 763.72/10 WILSON The Austro-Hungarian Ambassador (Dumba) to the Secretary of No. 178/res.] State EXCELLENCY: In continuation of my note No. 171/res. of July 24, I have the honor by direction of my Government most respectfully to make to your excellency the following communication. The answer of the Royal Servian Government to the Imperial and Royal Government's note is unsatisfactory. The Imperial and Royal Envoy at Belgrade thereupon declared the diplomatic relations to be broken off and left the city of Belgrade with the staff of the Legation. The Royal Servian Government is said to have ordered the mobilization of the Servian Army as early as 3 p. m. of July 25. For our part the partial mobilization of the armed force was ordered. Accept [etc.] C. DUMBA File No. 763.72/12 The Ambassador in Austria-Hungary (Penfield) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] AMERICAN EMBASSY, Vienna, July 27, 1914, 2 p. m. War certain and probably localized Balkans. Germany morally supports Austria but Italy neutral, Montenegro and Roumania will aid Servia, France not participate but Russian attitude unknown. Vienna anxious and hoping for short conflict. Bourse temporarily closed. Monarchy under martial law. Austrian troops for days been moving southward. War loan three hundred million crowns planned. PENFIELD THE FIRST SUGGESTION OF MEDIATION BY THE UNITED STATES (JULY 28)-THE OPENING OF HOSTILITIES File No. 763.72119/ The Ambassador in France (Herrick) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] AMERICAN EMBASSY, Paris, July 28, 1914, 4 p. m. [Received 7.30 p. m.] To be communicated to the President: Situation in Europe is regarded here as the gravest in history. It is apprehended that civilization is threatened by demoralization which would follow a general conflagration. Demonstrations made against war here last night by laboring classes; it is said to be the first instance of its kind in France. It is felt that if Germany once mobilizes no backward step will be taken. France has strong reliance on her army but it is not giving way to undue excitement. There is faith and reliance on our high ideals and purposes, so that I believe expression from our nation would have great weight in this crisis. My opinion is encouraged at reception given utterances of British Minister for Foreign Affairs. I believe that a strong plea for delay and moderation from the President of the United States would meet with the respect and approval of Europe and urge the prompt consideration of this question. This suggestion is consistent with our plea for arbitration treaties and attitude toward world affairs generally. I would not appear officious but deem it my duty to make this expression to you. HERRICK The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Page) [Telegram] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, July 28, 1914, 11.44 p. m. Is there in your opinion any likelihood that the good offices of the United States if offered under Article 3 of the Hague convention would be acceptable or serve any high purpose in the present crisis? BRYAN File No. 763.72/14 The Ambassador in Austria-Hungary (Penfield) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] AMERICAN EMBASSY, Vienna, July 28, 1914, 7 p. m. [Received July 29, 10.12 a. m.] Minister of Foreign Affairs requests following declaration of war be cabled: To end subversive intrigues issuing from Belgrade directed against the territorial integrity Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, Imperial and Royal Government July 23 sent to Royal Servian Government note in which were formulated series of demands, for acceptation of which delay of forty-eight hours was granted Royal Government. Servian Government not having replied to note in a satisfactory manner, Imperial and Royal Government is under necessity in protecting its rights and interests, of having recourse to the force of arms. Austria-Hungary having just addressed to Servia formal declaration in conformity with Article 1 of the convention October 18, 1907, relative to opening of hostilities, therefore considers itself in a state of war with Servia. Minister for Foreign Affairs declares that Austria will conform itself in the scene of hostilities on condition that Servia proceeds analogously to the stipulations of convention of The Hague, October 18, 1907. and of London, February 26, 1909. PENFIELD File No. 763.72/13 The Ambassador in Great Britain (Page) to the Secretary of State 250. Your undated telegram received this morning. I informally requested Sir Edward Grey yesterday that if the good offices of the United States could at any time or in any possible way be used, please to inform me. He expressed his thanks and said he would do so. I am renewing the same suggestion to-day.1 PAGE File No. 763.72/19 The Ambassador in France (Herrick) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] AMERICAN EMBASSY, Paris, July 29, 1914, 7 p. m. [Received 8 p. m.] Stock Exchange action to-day deferring settlements for thirty days has had a quieting effect on money market. General feeling here seems more hopeful of confining hostilities to present belligerents. The belief that England will support Russia and France in any eventuality encourages the feeling that Germany will not take any provocative action. HERRICK File No. 763.72/22 The Chargé d'Affaires in Russia (Wilson) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] AMERICAN EMBASSY, St. Petersburg, July 30, 1914, 3 p. m. Mobilization decree issued. Most embassies and legations are informing their governments that they consider war inevitable and I hold same opinion. German and Austrian Embassies are packed and ready to leave any moment. WILSON File No. 763.72/24 The Consul at Gibraltar (Sprague) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] AMERICAN CONSULATE, Gibraltar, undated. [Received July 30, 1914, 4.15 p. m.] Garrison mobilized. SPRAGUE 1 See the Ambassador's telegram of July 31, 5 p. m., post, p 24. |