Why We Are At War (2nd Edition, revised)

d and

many would not see, that Russia was so much interested in Servia, for both political and religious reasons, that any attempt by the Austro-Hungarian Government to coerce Servia, to interfere with her territorial integrity or independence as a sovereign state, would inevitably rouse Russia to military action. For Russia had greater interests in the security of Servia than Great Britain had in the security of Belgium. In each case the Great Power was bound by honour and self-interest alike to interfere to protect the smaller Power, but Russ

e peace of Europe. The merits of the dispute between Austria an

e fully, on the same day he

elves about it; but if Russia took the view of the Austrian ultimatum which it seemed to me that any Power interested in Serv

Servia to 'express concern and regret' and to 'give Austria the fullest satisfaction', 'if it is proved that Servian officials, however subordinate, were accomplices in the murders at Serajevo[134].' Further than that no Brit

o war over a Servian quarrel. If, however, war does take place, the development of

meet in London immediately 'for the purpose of discovering an issue which would prevent complications', and 'that all active military operations should be suspended pending results of conference'.[138] This proposal failed, as has been explained in earlier pages (pp. 71-3), and on July 28th Austria-Hungary declared war on Ser

uine desire for peace, and stands out in sharp contrast with the 'equivocal and double-faced' policy of Germany, and with

proposals made by the Austro-Hungarian Government to the Powers, and wou