CHAPTER VIII

THE INTERVENTION OF THE KAISER

The Kaiser's return to Berlin--His inconsistent record and complex personality--German Foreign Office deprecates his return--Its many blunders--The Kaiser takes the helm--He telegraphs the Czar--The Czar's reply--The Kaiser's second telegram--His untenable position--The Czar's explanation of military preparations and pledge that no provocative action would be taken by Russia--King George's telegram proposing temporary occupation by Austria of Belgrade pending further peace negotiations--The Kaiser's reply--The Kaiser's telegram to the Czar demanding Russian discontinuance of military preparations--His insistence upon unilateral conditions--Germany's preparations for war--Its offer to England to insure its neutrality--England's reply--Russia's offer to stop conditionally military preparations--England requests Germany to suggest any peace formula--Austria expresses willingness to discuss with Russia Servian note--Motives of Austria for this reversal of policy--The Kaiser sends ultimatum to Russia--The Czar's last appeal--The Kaiser's reply--Russia's inability to recall mobilization--England's last efforts for peace--Germany declares war--The Czar's telegram to King George 138