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south-east. The language used by the Serbian Press and the Serbian diplomats was, in its presumption, positively unbearable. ‘It has been difficult for me,’ said Tisza, ‘to bring myself to advise in favour of war; but I am now convinced of its necessity, and will be responsible to the utmost of my power for the maintenance of the greatness of the Monarchy!’

“Fortunately complete agreement and determination now prevail among the authorities here. His Majesty the Emperor Francis Joseph—as Baron Burian, who recently spoke with His Majesty at Ischl, reports—is considering the situation very calmly, and will certainly see things through to the very end. Count Tisza added that the unconditional attitude of Germany to the Monarchy was decidedly of great influence for the firm stand of the Emperor [of Austria].

“The Note to be addressed to Serbia is not to-day to be drawn up in its final wording. This will not be done till Sunday (July 19th). With respect to the date of presenting it to Serbia, it has to-day been decided rather to wait till after the departure of Poincaré from St. Petersburg—that is, till the 25th. [What a pity!—W.] Then immediately after the expiration of the time allowed to Serbia, in case the latter should not unconditionally accept all demands, the mobilization would take place. The Note will be so drawn up that its acceptance will be practically impossible. [Doubly underlined by William.—K.] It would be a matter not only of demanding assurances and promises, but of deeds. In drawing up the Note, in his opinion, care must

be taken that it is intelligible to the general public