After Sarajevo, Count Leopold
von Berchtold, the Austro-Hungarian Foreign Minister, drew up
a letter for the Emperor Francis Joseph to sign and send to Wilhelm
II to try and convince both of Serbia's responsibility.
On July 6th, Wilhelm II and his Imperial Chancellor, Theobald
von Bethmann-Hollweg, telegrammed Berchtold that Austria-Hungary
could rely that Germany would support whatever action was necessary
to deal with Serbia -- in effect offering von Berchtold a 'blank
check.'
Telegram from the Imperial Chancellor, von Bethmann-Hollweg, to
the German Ambassador at Vienna. Tschirschky, July 6, 1914
Confidential. For Your Excellency's
personal information and guidance
The Austro-Hungarian Ambassador
yesterday delivered to the Emperor a confidential personal letter
from the Emperor Francis Joseph, which depicts the present situation
from the Austro-Hungarian point of view, and describes the measures
which Vienna has in view. A copy is now being forwarded to Your
Excellency.
I replied to Count Szagyeny
today on behalf of His Majesty that His Majesty sends his thanks
to the Emperor Francis Joseph for his letter and would soon answer
it personally. In the meantime His Majesty desires to say that
he is not blind to the danger which threatens Austria-Hungary
and thus the Triple Alliance as a result of the Russian and Serbian
Pan-Slavic agitation. Even though His Majesty is known to feel
no unqualified confidence in Bulgaria and her ruler, and naturally
inclines more to ward our old ally Rumania and her Hohenzollern
prince, yet he quite understands that the Emperor Francis Joseph,
in view of the attitude of Rumania and of the danger of a new
Balkan alliance aimed directly at the Danube Monarchy, is anxious
to bring about an understanding between Bulgaria and the Triple
alliance [...]. His Majesty will, further more, make an effort
at Bucharest, according to the wishes of the Emperor Francis Joseph,
to influence King Carol to the fulfilment of the duties of his
alliance, to the renunciation of Serbia, and to the suppression
of the Rumanian agitations directed against Austria-Hungary.
Finally, as far as concerns
Serbia, His Majesty, of course, cannot interfere in the dispute
now going on between Austria-Hungary and that country, as it is
a matter not within his competence. The Emperor Francis Joseph
may, however, rest assured that His Majesty will faithfully stand
by Austria-Hungary, as is required by the obligations of his alliance
and of his ancient friendship.
