There is no doubt
that the key of the situation is to be found at Berlin.--(British
"White Paper" No. 54.)
The opinion subtly suggested upon him by Paris and Petersburg diplomacy,
namely, that he should not use any pressure upon Russia, but upon
Germany, now takes hold of Grey more and more. On July 29 he writes to
the German Ambassador as follows:
In fact, mediation was ready to come into operation by any method
that Germany thought possible if only Germany would "press the
button in the interests of peace."--(British "White Paper" No. 84.)
Petersburg, now assured of the support of Grey, becomes more and more
outspoken for war. On the 28th Grey again expressed one of his
softhearted propositions for peace. Mr. Sazonof hardly made the effort
to hide his contempt. Buchanan telegraphs on the 29th as follows:
The Minister for Foreign Affairs said that proposal referred to in
your telegram of the 28th inst. was one of secondary importance.
Under altered circumstances of situation he did not attach weight
to it.... Minister for Foreign Affairs had given me to understand
that Russia would not precipitate war by crossing frontier
immediately, and a week or more would in any case elapse before
mobilization was completed.
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