KING AND CZAR.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 94, 16 September 1914, Page 7

KING AND CZAR.

J PERSONAL MESSAGES. BRITISH SUPPORT ASKED TOR RUSSIA. London, August 3. The Daily Xews and Leader is authorised to publish the following documents:— Sir Edward Grey to Sir G. Buchanan (St. Petersburg). Foreign Oifice, August 1, 1914. 3.30 a.m. Youuhould at once apply for an audience with Ilia Majesty the Emperor, and convey to him the following personal message from the King:— My Government has received the fol lowing statement from the German Government:— "On Ju!v 29th the Russian Emperor requested the German Emperor l>r telegraph to mediate between Russin and Austria. The Emperor immediately declared his readiness to do so. lie informed the Russian Emperor of tliis by telegraph, and took the required action at Vienna. Without waiting for the result of this action, Russia mobilised against Austria. By telegraph, the German Emperor pointed out to the Russian Emperor that hereby his attempt at mediation would he rendered illusory. The Emperor further asked the Russian Emperor to suspend the military operations against Austria. This, however, did not happen. In spite of this, the German Government continued its mediation in Vienna. In this matter the German Government have gone to the furthest limit of what can be suggested to a Sovereign State which is the allv of Germany.

SUGGESTED BY ENGLAND. "The proposals made by the German Government in Vienna were conceived entirely on the lines suggested by Great Britain, and the German Government recommended them in Vienna for their serious consideration. They were taken into consideration in Vienna this morning. During the deliberations of the (JAustrian) Cabinet, and before they were concluded, the German Ambassador in St. Petersburg reported the mobilisation of the entire Russian Army and Navy. Owing to this action on the part of Russia, the Austrian answer to the German proposals for mediation was not given. This action on the part oi Russia is also directed against Gcrmanv; that is to say, the Power whose mediation had been invoked by the Russian Emperor. , " 'We Were hound to replv with serious counter-measures to this action, which we were obliged to consider as hostile, unless we were prepared to endanger the safety of our countrv. Wc are unable to remain inactive in the Face of the Russian mobilisation on our frontier. We have- therefore informed Russia that, unless she was prepared to suspend for twelve hours the warlike measures against Germany and Austria, we should be obliged to mobilise, and that would mean war. We have asked France if she would remain neutral during a Russian-German war.'

KING'S PERSONAL APPEAL. "I cannot help thinking that some misunderstanding has produced this deadlock. I am most anxious not to miss any possibility of avoiding that terrible calamity which at present threatens the whole world. I therefore make a personal appeal to you to Tfmove the misapprehension which 1 feel must have occurred, and to leave stiil open grounds for negotiation and possible peace. If you think I can in any way contribute to that ail important purpose, I will do everything in my power to assist in reopening the interrupted conversations between the Powers concerned. I feel confident that you are as anxious as I I am that all that is possible should be I done to secure the peace of the world."

TIIE CZAR'S REPLY. Reply of -his Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Russia to his Majesty King George.— "I would gladly have accepted your proposals had not the German Ambassador this afternoon presented a note to my Government declaring war. Ever since presentation of the ultimatum at Belgrade, Russia has devoted all her efforts to finding some pacific solution of the question raised by Austria's action. Object of that action was to crush Pcrvia and make her a vassal of Austria. Effect of this would have been to upset balance of power in Balkans [ which is of such vital interest to my Empire.

EVERY PROPOSAL REJECTED. "Every proposal, including that of vonr Government,, was rejected by Germany and Austria, and it was only when favorable moment for bringing pressure to bear on Austria had passed that Germany showed any disposition to mediate. Even then she did not propose any precise proposal. Austria s declaration of war on Servia forced me I to order a partial mobilisation, tliongn, in view of threatening situation, my military advisers strongly advised a general mobilisation owing to quickness with which Germany can mobilise in comparison to Russia. "I was eventually compelled to take I this course in consequence of complete Austrian mobilisation, of the bombardment of Belgrade, of concentration of | Austrian troops in Galicia, and of secret military preparations being made in Germany. That I was justified in doing so is pioved by Germany's sudden declaration of war. which was quite unexpected bv me. as I had given moat (";t"i'orieul' assurances to the Emperor William thai mv troops would not move --o long as mediation negotiations conthis solemn hour I wish to aspire vou once more that I have done ail in mv to avert war. *ow n.-it it has been forced upon me, 1 ttusl vonr country will not fail to support I','unce and Russia. God bless and protect \ou.''

THE CZATV.S CALL. "FIGHTING FOR BROTHER SLAVS." St. Petersburg, August 8. The Itnssian Emperor, with Grand Duke Nichols. io-dav received the members of tin. Couu.il of the Empire and the Duma in audience at ihe Winter Palace. Addiv-Mn- them the Emperor said:— "111 these duv, of alarm and anxiety through wl.Wi Itussia is passing, I greet you! Cerium;/, following Austria, has declared war on Russia. "The eiio.'iiiou-i cr.lhusiasm, the palii„ti« sentiments and the love and loyalty • o the throne~-i« n enthusiasm which lias swept like a hurricane through the country —guarantee for me, ns for you, I hope, that Russia will bring to a happy conclusion the war which the Almightv has Bcr.t it.

"It is also because of this unanimous enthusiasm, love and eagerness to make every sacrifice, even of life itself, that I »m able to regard the future with calm firmness. It is not only the dignity and honor of our country that we are defending, but we are fightin? for brother Slavs, co-religionists, Mood brothers. 1 see also with joy the union of the Slavs with Russia progressing strongly and indissoluble. ".[ am persuaded that each and all of you will be in your place to assist mo to support the test, and that all, beginning with myself will do their duty. "Great is the God of the Russian athcrland."