CHAPTER IX
WILLIAM'S MONARCHICAL CONSCIENCE
In the memorandum drawn up immediately before the crime at Serajevo, it was in regard to Rumanian affairs that Austria had shown herself chiefly concerned. Now, however, Serbia moves into the foreground. That country had only received an incidental mention in the text of the document. A postscript was now added, as follows:
“The present memorandum had only just been drawn up when the dreadful events of Serajevo took place. To estimate the full significance of this wicked deed is hardly possible as yet. It may, however, be said that in any case the impossibility of bridging the gulf between the Monarchy and Serbia is now demonstrated, as well as the danger and intensity of the Great-Serbian movement, which shrinks from nothing to attain its ends.
“All the more imperative is the necessity for the Monarchy to tear asunder in the most resolute manner the net which its opponents are endeavouring to weave over its head.”
In other words, Austria, or, rather, Count Berchtold and his associates, were resolved on a war against
Serbia, and if necessary also against Russia.
