The German Declaration of War on Russia: Difference between revisions

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<h2> 1 August, 1914<br>The German Declaration of War on Russia
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  </h2><hr>(July 19th Russian calendar)<br>
[[Main_Page | WWI Document Archive ]] > [[Official Papers]] > '''The German Declaration of War on Russia'''
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(July 19th Russian calendar)<br>
Presented by the German Ambassador to St. Petersburg
Presented by the German Ambassador to St. Petersburg
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The Imperial German Government have used every effort since the beginning
The Imperial German Government have used every effort since the beginning
of the crisis to bring about a peaceful settlement. In compliance with a
of the crisis to bring about a peaceful settlement. In compliance with a
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demand, and having shown by this refusal [<i>this attitude</i>]* that her  
demand, and having shown by this refusal [<i>this attitude</i>]* that her  
action was directed against Germany, I have the honour, on the instructions  
action was directed against Germany, I have the honour, on the instructions  
of my Government, to inform your Excellency as follows: -- <br><br>
of my Government, to inform your Excellency as follows:<br><br>
His Majesty the Emperor, my august Sovereign, in the name of the German
His Majesty the Emperor, my august Sovereign, in the name of the German
Empire, accepts the challenge, and considers himself at war with Russia.<br><br><hr>
Empire, accepts the challenge, and considers himself at war with Russia.<hr>
<i>*The words in brackets occur in the original.</i>
<i>*The words in brackets occur in the original.</i>
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<center>Return to '''[[1914 Documents]]'''</center>
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[[Main_Page | WWI Document Archive ]] > [[Official Papers]] > '''The German Declaration of War on Russia'''
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Latest revision as of 17:56, 28 May 2009

WWI Document Archive > Official Papers > The German Declaration of War on Russia


(July 19th Russian calendar)
Presented by the German Ambassador to St. Petersburg


The Imperial German Government have used every effort since the beginning of the crisis to bring about a peaceful settlement. In compliance with a wish expressed to him by His Majesty the Emperor of Russia, the German Emperor had undertaken, in concert with Great Britain, the part of mediator between the Cabinets of Vienna and St. Petersburg; but Russia, without waiting for any result, proceeded to a general mobilisation of her forces both on land and sea. In consequence of this threatening step, which was not justified by any military proceedings on the part of Germany, the German Empire was faced by a grave and imminent danger. If the German Government had failed to guard against this peril, they would have compromised the safety and the very existence of Germany. The German Government were, therefore, obliged to make representations to the Government of His Majesty the Emperor of All the Russias and to insist upon a cessation of the aforesaid military acts. Russia having refused to comply with [not having considered it necessary to answer]* this demand, and having shown by this refusal [this attitude]* that her action was directed against Germany, I have the honour, on the instructions of my Government, to inform your Excellency as follows:

His Majesty the Emperor, my august Sovereign, in the name of the German

Empire, accepts the challenge, and considers himself at war with Russia.


*The words in brackets occur in the original.


WWI Document Archive > Official Papers > The German Declaration of War on Russia