The German White Book - Revision history

Bkimberl at 23:55, 28 May 2009

2009-05-28T23:55:24Z

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−	<~~CENTER~~>~~Return to '''~~[[~~1914 Documents~~]]~~'''<br~~>~~Return to '''~~[[Official Papers]]'''</center>	+	[[Main_Page \| WWI Document Archive ]] > [[Official Papers]] > '''The German White Book'''
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Rdh7 at 16:49, 23 December 2007

2007-12-23T16:49:18Z

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	The German Ambassadors at London, Paris, and St. Petersburg were instructed to energetically point out the danger of this Russian mobilisation. The Imperial Ambassador at St. Petersburg was also directed to make the following declaration to the Russian Government :<ref>See note 1, above.</ref> [<i>See exhibits 10, 10a, 10b.</i>]<br><br>		The German Ambassadors at London, Paris, and St. Petersburg were instructed to energetically point out the danger of this Russian mobilisation. The Imperial Ambassador at St. Petersburg was also directed to make the following declaration to the Russian Government :<ref>See note 1, above.</ref> [<i>See exhibits 10, 10a, 10b.</i>]<br><br>
	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
−	"Preparatory military measures by Russia will force us to counter-	+	"Preparatory military measures by Russia will force us to counter-measures which must consist in mobilising the army. But mobilization means war. As we know the obligations of France towards Russia, this mobilization would be directed against both Russia and France. We cannot assume that Russia desires to unchain such a European war. Since Austria-Hungary will not touch the existence of the Servian kingdom we are of the opinion that Russia can afford to assume an attitude of waiting. We can all the more support the desire of Russia to protect the integrity of Servia as Austria-Hungary does not intend to question the latter. It will be easy in the further development of the affair to find a basis for are [''sic''] understanding."</blockquote>
−	"measures which must consist in mobilising the army.	+
−	~~<br><br>~~	+
−	"But mobilization means war.~~<br><br>~~	+
−	"As we know the obligations of France towards Russia, this	+
−	"mobilization would be directed against both Russia and	+
−	"France. We cannot assume that Russia desires to unchain	+
−	"such a European war. Since Austria-Hungary will not	+
−	"touch the existence of the Servian kingdom we are of the	+
−	"opinion that Russia can afford to assume an attitude of	+
−	"waiting. We can all the more support the desire of Russia	+
−	"to protect the integrity of Servia as Austria-Hungary does	+
−	"not intend to question the latter. It will be easy in the	+
−	"further development of the affair to find a basis for are	+
−	"understanding."</blockquote>	+

	On July 27th the Russian Secretary of War, M. Ssuchomlinof, gave the German military attaché his word of honour that no order to mobilise had been issued, merely preparations were being made, but not a horse mustered, nor reserves called in. If Austria-Hungary crossed the Servian frontier, the military districts directed towards Austria, <i>i.e.</i>, Kiev, Odessa, Moscow, Kazan, would be mobilized, under no circumstances those situated on the German frontier, <i>i.e.</i>, St. Petersburg, Vilna, and Warsaw. Upon inquiry into the object of the mobilization against Austria-Hungary, the Russian Minister of War replied by shrugging his shoulders and referring to the diplomats.[<i>See exhibit 11.</i>] The military attaché then pointed to these mobilisation measures against Austria-Hungary as extremely menacing also for Germany.[<i>See exhibit 11</i>.]<br><br>		On July 27th the Russian Secretary of War, M. Ssuchomlinof, gave the German military attaché his word of honour that no order to mobilise had been issued, merely preparations were being made, but not a horse mustered, nor reserves called in. If Austria-Hungary crossed the Servian frontier, the military districts directed towards Austria, <i>i.e.</i>, Kiev, Odessa, Moscow, Kazan, would be mobilized, under no circumstances those situated on the German frontier, <i>i.e.</i>, St. Petersburg, Vilna, and Warsaw. Upon inquiry into the object of the mobilization against Austria-Hungary, the Russian Minister of War replied by shrugging his shoulders and referring to the diplomats.[<i>See exhibit 11.</i>] The military attaché then pointed to these mobilisation measures against Austria-Hungary as extremely menacing also for Germany.[<i>See exhibit 11</i>.]<br><br>

Rdh7 at 16:40, 23 December 2007

2007-12-23T16:40:35Z

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	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
	"The Secretary tried to persuade me that I should urge my Government to		"The Secretary tried to persuade me that I should urge my Government to
−	participate in a quadruple conference<ref>The German word translated "conference" is <i>konversation</i>: the German text also contains the words <i>auf ~~freudschaftlichen~~ Wege </i>(t"in a friendly manner ").</ref> to find means to induce Austria-	+	participate in a quadruple conference<ref>The German word translated "conference" is <i>konversation</i>: the German text also contains the words <i>auf freudschaftlichem Wege </i>("in a friendly manner ").</ref> to find means to induce Austria-
	Hungary to give up those demands which touch upon the sovereignty		Hungary to give up those demands which touch upon the sovereignty
	of Servia. I could merely promise to report the conversation and took		of Servia. I could merely promise to report the conversation and took

Rdh7 at 16:39, 23 December 2007

2007-12-23T16:39:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:39, 23 December 2007
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	In reply to various inquiries concerning reasons for its threatening attitude, the Russian Government repeatedly pointed out that Austria-Hungary had commenced no conversation in St. Petersburg. The Austro-Hungarian Ambassador in St. Petersburg was therefore instructed on July 29th, at our suggestion, to enter into such conversation with Sasonof. Count Szapary was empowered to explain to the Russian minister the note to Servia, though it had been overtaken by the state of war, and to accept any suggestion on the part of Russia as well as to discuss with Sasonof all questions touching directly upon the Austro-Russian relations.<br><br>		In reply to various inquiries concerning reasons for its threatening attitude, the Russian Government repeatedly pointed out that Austria-Hungary had commenced no conversation in St. Petersburg. The Austro-Hungarian Ambassador in St. Petersburg was therefore instructed on July 29th, at our suggestion, to enter into such conversation with Sasonof. Count Szapary was empowered to explain to the Russian minister the note to Servia, though it had been overtaken by the state of war, and to accept any suggestion on the part of Russia as well as to discuss with Sasonof all questions touching directly upon the Austro-Russian relations.<br><br>
	Shoulder to shoulder with England we laboured incessantly and supported every proposal in Vienna from which we hoped to gain the possibility of a peaceable solution of the conflict. [<i>See exhibit 19</i>.] We even as late as the 30th of July forwarded the English proposal to Vienna, as basis for negotiations, that Austria-Hungary should dictate her conditions in Servia, <i>i.e.,</i> after her march into Servia. We thought that Russia would accept this basis.<br><br>		Shoulder to shoulder with England we laboured incessantly and supported every proposal in Vienna from which we hoped to gain the possibility of a peaceable solution of the conflict. [<i>See exhibit 19</i>.] We even as late as the 30th of July forwarded the English proposal to Vienna, as basis for negotiations, that Austria-Hungary should dictate her conditions in Servia, <i>i.e.,</i> after her march into Servia. We thought that Russia would accept this basis.<br><br>
−	During the interval from July 29th to July 31st<ref>The following words appear here in the German text: ~~<~~i~~>~~während diese unsere Bemü~~hunger~~ um Vermittelung, von der englischen ~~Diplomqtie~~ unterstützt, mit steigender Dringlichkeit fortgeführt wurden~~<~~/i~~>~~ ("whilst these endeavours of ours for mediation were being continued with increasing energy, supported by English diplomacy."</ref> there appeared renewed and cumulative news concerning Russian measures of mobilization. Accumulation of troops on the East Prussian frontier and the declaration of the state of war over all important parts of the Russian west frontier allowed no further doubt that the Russian mobilisation was in full swing against us, while simultaneously all such cures were denied to our representative in St. Petersburg on word of honour.<br><br>	+	During the interval from July 29th to July 31st<ref>The following words appear here in the German text: <i>während diese unsere Bemühungen um Vermittelung, von der englischen Diplomatie unterstützt, mit steigender Dringlichkeit fortgeführt wurden</i> ("whilst these endeavours of ours for mediation were being continued with increasing energy, supported by English diplomacy."</ref> there appeared renewed and cumulative news concerning Russian measures of mobilization. Accumulation of troops on the East Prussian frontier and the declaration of the state of war over all important parts of the Russian west frontier allowed no further doubt that the Russian mobilisation was in full swing against us, while simultaneously all such cures were denied to our representative in St. Petersburg on word of honour.<br><br>
	Nay, even before the reply from Vienna regarding the Anglo-German mediation whose tendencies and basis must have been known in St. Petersburg could possibly have been received in Berlin, Russia ordered a general mobilization.<br><br>		Nay, even before the reply from Vienna regarding the Anglo-German mediation whose tendencies and basis must have been known in St. Petersburg could possibly have been received in Berlin, Russia ordered a general mobilization.<br><br>
	During the same days, there took place between His Majesty the Kaiser and Czar Nicolas an exchange of telegrams in which His Majesty called the attention of the Czar to the menacing, character of the Russian mobilization during the continuance of his own mediating activities.[<i>See exhibits 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 23a</i>.]<br><br>		During the same days, there took place between His Majesty the Kaiser and Czar Nicolas an exchange of telegrams in which His Majesty called the attention of the Czar to the menacing, character of the Russian mobilization during the continuance of his own mediating activities.[<i>See exhibits 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 23a</i>.]<br><br>

Rdh7 at 16:37, 23 December 2007

2007-12-23T16:37:12Z

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	<i>Telegram of the Chancellor to the Imperial Ambassador at London.<br>		<i>Telegram of the Chancellor to the Imperial Ambassador at London.<br>
	Urgent. July 26th, 1914.</i><br><br>		Urgent. July 26th, 1914.</i><br><br>
−	Austria-Hungary has declared in St. Petersburg officially and solemnly that it has no desire for territorial gain in Servia; that it will not touch the existence of the Kingdom, but that it desires to establish peaceful conditions. According to news received here, the call for several classes of the reserves is expected immediately which is equivalent to mobilization<ref>The German text adds here <i>auch gegen uns</i>("also against us").</ref>. If this news proves correct, we shall be forced to countermeasures very much against our own wishes. Our desire to localize the conflict and to preserve the peace of Europe remains unchanged. We ask to act in this sense at St. Petersburg with all possible emphasis.	+	Austria-Hungary has declared in St. Petersburg officially and solemnly that it has no desire for territorial gain in Servia; that it will not touch the existence of the Kingdom, but that it desires to establish peaceful conditions. According to news received here, the call for several classes of the reserves is expected immediately which is equivalent to mobilization<ref>The German text adds here <i>auch gegen uns</i> ("also against us").</ref>. If this news proves correct, we shall be forced to countermeasures very much against our own wishes. Our desire to localize the conflict and to preserve the peace of Europe remains unchanged. We ask to act in this sense at St. Petersburg with all possible emphasis.
	<hr>		<hr>
	<CENTER><B>Exhibit 10a.</b></CENTER><br><br>		<CENTER><B>Exhibit 10a.</b></CENTER><br><br>
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	<i>Telegram of the Chancellor to the Imperial Ambassador at Rome <br>		<i>Telegram of the Chancellor to the Imperial Ambassador at Rome <br>
	on July 31st, 1914.</i><br><br>		on July 31st, 1914.</i><br><br>
−	We have continued to negotiate between Russia and Austria-Hungary through a direct exchange of telegrams between His Majesty the Kaiser and His Majesty the Czar, as well as in conjunction with Sir Edward Grey. Through the mobilization of Russia all our efforts have been greatly handicapped if they have not become impossible. In spite of pacifying assurances Russia is<ref>The German text adds here <i>allen uns ~~zügegangenen~~ Nachrichten</i> ("according to all the information that has reached us ").</ref> taking such far-reaching measures against us that the situation is becoming continually more menacing.	+	We have continued to negotiate between Russia and Austria-Hungary through a direct exchange of telegrams between His Majesty the Kaiser and His Majesty the Czar, as well as in conjunction with Sir Edward Grey. Through the mobilization of Russia all our efforts have been greatly handicapped if they have not become impossible. In spite of pacifying assurances Russia is<ref>The German text adds here <i>allen uns zugegangenen Nachrichten</i> ("according to all the information that has reached us ").</ref> taking such far-reaching measures against us that the situation is becoming continually more menacing.
	<hr>		<hr>
	<CENTER><B>Exhibit 20.</b></CENTER><br><br>		<CENTER><B>Exhibit 20.</b></CENTER><br><br>

Hirgen at 23:31, 14 September 2007

2007-09-14T23:31:06Z

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	"The Royal Serbian Government condemns the propaganda against		"The Royal Serbian Government condemns the propaganda against
	Austria-Hungary . . "		Austria-Hungary . . "
−	</blockquote~~><br><br~~>	+	</blockquote>
	Tile alteration of the declaration as demanded by us, which has been made by the Royal Servian Government, is meant to imply that a propaganda directed against Austria-Hungary does not exist, and that it is not aware of such. This formula is insincere, and the Servian Government reserves itself the subterfuge for later occasions that it had not disavowed by this declaration the existing propaganda, nor recognised the same as hostile to the monarchy, whence it could deduce further that it is not obliged to suppress in the future a propaganda similar to the present one.</i><br><br>		Tile alteration of the declaration as demanded by us, which has been made by the Royal Servian Government, is meant to imply that a propaganda directed against Austria-Hungary does not exist, and that it is not aware of such. This formula is insincere, and the Servian Government reserves itself the subterfuge for later occasions that it had not disavowed by this declaration the existing propaganda, nor recognised the same as hostile to the monarchy, whence it could deduce further that it is not obliged to suppress in the future a propaganda similar to the present one.</i><br><br>
	The Royal Government regrets that according to a communication of the I. and R. Government certain Servian officers and functionaries have participated in the propaganda just referred to, and that these have therefore endangered the amicable relations for the observation of which the Royal Government had solemnly obliged itself through the declaration of March 31st, 1909.<br><br>		The Royal Government regrets that according to a communication of the I. and R. Government certain Servian officers and functionaries have participated in the propaganda just referred to, and that these have therefore endangered the amicable relations for the observation of which the Royal Government had solemnly obliged itself through the declaration of March 31st, 1909.<br><br>

Hirgen at 23:29, 14 September 2007

2007-09-14T23:29:40Z

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	July 25th, 1914.<br>		July 25th, 1914.<br>
	(With Austria's commentaries [in italics].)<br><br></CENTER>		(With Austria's commentaries [in italics].)<br><br></CENTER>
−	~~<br><br>~~	+
	The Royal Government has received the communication of the Imperial and Royal Government of the 23rd inst. and is convinced that its reply will dissipate any misunderstanding which threatens to destroy the friendly and neighbourly relations between the Austrian monarchy and the kingdom of Servia.<br><br>		The Royal Government has received the communication of the Imperial and Royal Government of the 23rd inst. and is convinced that its reply will dissipate any misunderstanding which threatens to destroy the friendly and neighbourly relations between the Austrian monarchy and the kingdom of Servia.<br><br>
	The Royal Government is conscious that nowhere there have been renewed protests against the great neighbourly monarchy like those which at one time were expressed in the Skuptchina, as well as in the declaration and actions of the responsible representatives of the state at that time, and which were terminated by the Servian declaration of March 31st, 1909; furthermore that since that time neither the different corporations of the kingdom, nor the officials have made an attempt to alter the political and judicial condition created in Bosnia and the Herzegovina. The Royal Government states that the I. and R. Government has made no protestation in this sense excepting in the case of a textbook, in regard to which the I. and R. Government has received an entirely satisfactory explanation. Servia has given during the time of the Balkan crisis in numerous cases evidence of her pacific and moderate policy, and it is only owing to Servia and the sacrifices which she has brought in the interest of the peace of Europe that this peace has been preserved.<br><br>		The Royal Government is conscious that nowhere there have been renewed protests against the great neighbourly monarchy like those which at one time were expressed in the Skuptchina, as well as in the declaration and actions of the responsible representatives of the state at that time, and which were terminated by the Servian declaration of March 31st, 1909; furthermore that since that time neither the different corporations of the kingdom, nor the officials have made an attempt to alter the political and judicial condition created in Bosnia and the Herzegovina. The Royal Government states that the I. and R. Government has made no protestation in this sense excepting in the case of a textbook, in regard to which the I. and R. Government has received an entirely satisfactory explanation. Servia has given during the time of the Balkan crisis in numerous cases evidence of her pacific and moderate policy, and it is only owing to Servia and the sacrifices which she has brought in the interest of the peace of Europe that this peace has been preserved.<br><br>
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	As for Great Britain's attitude, the statements made by Sir Edward Grey in the House of Commons yesterday show the standpoint assumed by the British Government. We have informed the British Government that, as long as Great Britain remains neutral, our fleet will not attack the northern coast of France, and that we will not violate the territorial integrity and independence of Belgium. These assurances I now repeat before the world, and I may add that, as long as Great Britain remains neutral, we would also be willing, upon reciprocity being assured, to take no warlike measures against French commercial shipping.<br><br>		As for Great Britain's attitude, the statements made by Sir Edward Grey in the House of Commons yesterday show the standpoint assumed by the British Government. We have informed the British Government that, as long as Great Britain remains neutral, our fleet will not attack the northern coast of France, and that we will not violate the territorial integrity and independence of Belgium. These assurances I now repeat before the world, and I may add that, as long as Great Britain remains neutral, we would also be willing, upon reciprocity being assured, to take no warlike measures against French commercial shipping.<br><br>
	Gentlemen, so much for the facts. I repeat the words of the Emperor: "With a clear conscience we enter the lists." We are fighting for the fruits of our works of peace, for the inheritance of a great past and for our future. The fifty years are not yet past during which Count Moltke said we should have to remain armed to defend the inheritance that we won in 1870. Now the great hour of trial has struck for our people. But with clear confidence we go forward to meet it. Our army is in the field, our navy is ready for battle behind them stands the entire German nationthe entire German nation united to the last man.<br><br>		Gentlemen, so much for the facts. I repeat the words of the Emperor: "With a clear conscience we enter the lists." We are fighting for the fruits of our works of peace, for the inheritance of a great past and for our future. The fifty years are not yet past during which Count Moltke said we should have to remain armed to defend the inheritance that we won in 1870. Now the great hour of trial has struck for our people. But with clear confidence we go forward to meet it. Our army is in the field, our navy is ready for battle behind them stands the entire German nationthe entire German nation united to the last man.<br><br>
−	Gentlemen, you know your duty and all that it means. The proposed laws need no further explanations I ask you to pass them quickly.~~<br><br>~~	+	Gentlemen, you know your duty and all that it means. The proposed laws need no further explanations I ask you to pass them quickly.
	<hr>		<hr>
	<h3>Footnotes:</h3>		<h3>Footnotes:</h3>

Hirgen at 23:28, 14 September 2007

2007-09-14T23:28:12Z

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	As for Great Britain's attitude, the statements made by Sir Edward Grey in the House of Commons yesterday show the standpoint assumed by the British Government. We have informed the British Government that, as long as Great Britain remains neutral, our fleet will not attack the northern coast of France, and that we will not violate the territorial integrity and independence of Belgium. These assurances I now repeat before the world, and I may add that, as long as Great Britain remains neutral, we would also be willing, upon reciprocity being assured, to take no warlike measures against French commercial shipping.<br><br>		As for Great Britain's attitude, the statements made by Sir Edward Grey in the House of Commons yesterday show the standpoint assumed by the British Government. We have informed the British Government that, as long as Great Britain remains neutral, our fleet will not attack the northern coast of France, and that we will not violate the territorial integrity and independence of Belgium. These assurances I now repeat before the world, and I may add that, as long as Great Britain remains neutral, we would also be willing, upon reciprocity being assured, to take no warlike measures against French commercial shipping.<br><br>
	Gentlemen, so much for the facts. I repeat the words of the Emperor: "With a clear conscience we enter the lists." We are fighting for the fruits of our works of peace, for the inheritance of a great past and for our future. The fifty years are not yet past during which Count Moltke said we should have to remain armed to defend the inheritance that we won in 1870. Now the great hour of trial has struck for our people. But with clear confidence we go forward to meet it. Our army is in the field, our navy is ready for battle behind them stands the entire German nationthe entire German nation united to the last man.<br><br>		Gentlemen, so much for the facts. I repeat the words of the Emperor: "With a clear conscience we enter the lists." We are fighting for the fruits of our works of peace, for the inheritance of a great past and for our future. The fifty years are not yet past during which Count Moltke said we should have to remain armed to defend the inheritance that we won in 1870. Now the great hour of trial has struck for our people. But with clear confidence we go forward to meet it. Our army is in the field, our navy is ready for battle behind them stands the entire German nationthe entire German nation united to the last man.<br><br>
−	Gentlemen, you know your duty and all that it means. The proposed laws need no further explanations I ask you to pass them quickly.	+	Gentlemen, you know your duty and all that it means. The proposed laws need no further explanations I ask you to pass them quickly.<br><br>
	<hr>		<hr>
	<h3>Footnotes:</h3>		<h3>Footnotes:</h3>

Hirgen at 22:42, 14 September 2007

2007-09-14T22:42:11Z

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Hirgen at 02:27, 28 July 2007

2007-07-28T02:27:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:27, 28 July 2007
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−	<CENTER>Return to '''[[1914 Documents]]'''~~</center>~~<br>Return to '''[[Official Papers]]'''</center>	+	<CENTER>Return to '''[[1914 Documents]]'''<br>Return to '''[[Official Papers]]'''</center>