..._ M. Sazonof, Russian Foreign Minister, has
declared that it would be impossible for Russia not to hold
herself ready and to mobilize, but that these preparations
were not directed against Germany. This morning an official
communique to the newspapers announces that "the reserves have
been called under arms in a certain number of Governments."
Knowing the discreet nature of the official communique one can
without fear assert that _mobilization is going on
everywhere_.
... One can truly ask one's self whether the whole world does
not desire war and is trying merely to retard its declaration
a little in order to gain time. England began by allowing it
to be understood that she did not want to be drawn into a
conflict. Sir George Buchanan (British Ambassador) said that
openly. Today one is firmly convinced at St. Petersburg--one
has even the assurance of it--that England will support
France. This support is of enormous weight, and _has
contributed not a little to give the upper hand to the war
party_.
The German Emperor during these times believed England to be really and
honestly striving to avoid the war; he went so far as to announce in one
of his letters published in the "White Book" that "he had shoulder to
shoulder with England tried to bring about a peaceful solution.
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