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Berlin, 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.
BETHMANN-HOLLWEG
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