f xem ) 



G-reat Britain. lifce the rest of Europe, recognized that, 

 whatever jtLst grotmda of complaiiLt Aastria may have had. 

 the unprecedented terma of her Xote to Serbia constituted 

 a challenge to Eussia and a provocation to War. The Austrian 

 Emperor in his proclamation admitted that war was likely to 

 ensue. The German White Book states in so many words : 

 '' We were perfectly aware that a possible warlike attitude of 

 Austria-Hungary against Serbia might bring Eussia upon the 

 field and therefore involve us in war. . . . We could not, 

 however, . . . advise our ally to take a yielding attitude not 

 compatible with his dignity." The German Government 

 admits having known the tenor of the Austrian Xote before- 

 hand, when it was concealed from all the other Powers; 

 admits backing it up after it was issued : admits that it knew 

 the >rote was likely to precipitate War: and admits that, 

 whatever professions it made to the other Powers, in private 

 it did not advise Austria to abate one jot of her demands. 

 This, to our minds, is tantamount to admitting that Germany 

 has, together with her unfortunate ally, deliberately provoked 

 the present War. 



One point we freely admit. Germany wotild very likely 

 have preferred not to fight Great Britain at this moment. 

 She would have preferred to weaken and humiliate Eussia; 

 to make Serbia a dependent of Austria: to render France 

 nmocuons and Belgium subservient; and then, having 

 eatabEshed an overwhelming advantage, to settle accounts 

 with Great Britain. Her grievance against us is that we did 

 not allow her to do this. 



So deeply rooted is Great Britain's love of peace, so in- 

 fluential amongst us are those who have laboured throu^ 

 many difficult years to promote good feeling between this 

 coxmtry and Germany, that, in spite of ottr ties of friendship 

 with France, in spite of the manifest danger threatening 

 ourselves, there was still, up to the last moment, a strong 

 deaie to preserve British neutrality, if it cotild be pre- 

 served without dishonour. But Germany herself made this 

 impossible. 



Great Britain, together with France, Eussia, Prussia, and 

 Austria, had solemnly guaranteed the neutrality of Belgium. 



