Page:The guilt of William Hohenzollern.djvu/67

Rh stood in our way in every direction.... I was, of course, not told that General von Moltke was urging on war. I did, however, learn that Herr von Tschirschky had been reprimanded because he reported that he had recommended moderation to Vienna in her dealings with Serbia.” (“Meine Londoner Mission,” p. 27.)

Lichnowsky's statements are confirmed by the documents of the Berlin Foreign Office. We reproduce a report which Tschirschky addressed to the Imperial Chancellor on June 30th. Its importance lies in the marginal comments of the Kaiser, which we insert in square brackets, marked with a “W.”

“Count Berchtold told me to-day that, according to all appearances, the threads of the conspiracy to which the Archduke fell a victim could be traced to Belgrade. The affair was so well thought out, that intentionally only young people were charged with the execution of the deed, because their punishment would be milder [Let us hope not!—W.]. The Minister spoke very bitterly about the incitements proceeding from Serbia.

“Here, even serious people are saying that accounts with Serbia must be settled once for all. [Now or never.—W.] A series of demands must be presented to Serbia, and in case she does not accept them energetic steps must be taken. I use every occasion of this kind in order to warn our friends quietly, but very emphatically and seriously, against taking any over-hasty steps. '''[Who gave him any authority to do that? That is very stupid! No affair of his, since it is purely'''