Page:The guilt of William Hohenzollern.djvu/78

 CHAPTER XI THE CONSPIRATORS AT WORK

WILLIAM'S INSISTENCE

the harmless conversation on “the political situation” held at Potsdam on July 5th worked on the Austrian Government was already manifested by the latter in the Council of the Ministry for Common Interests, held on July 7th, the protocol of which has now been published (Red Book, 1919, pp. 25–38).

Berchtold began by declaring that the moment had arrived to make Serbia for ever incapable of doing mischief. On this question he had been in touch with the German Government, and the latter had promised their unreserved support in a war with Serbia.

"“He was clear that military action against Serbia might lead to war with Russia.”"

But better have it now than later on, for Russia's strength in the Balkans was always growing.

Tisza agreed that there was a possibility of a war with Serbia, but he was neither in favour of a war under all circumstances nor of a declaration of war without diplomatic preparation.

“He would never agree to a surprise attack on Serbia without previous diplomatic action, as it Rh