How the War Started

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 155, 7 December 1914, Page 5

How the War Started

"CONVERSATIONS" AMONG THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE. WARNING TO AUSTRIA UNHEEDED. INTERESTING DISCLOSURES. | Received G, 3.30 p.m. London, December 5. Router's Rome correspondent states that documents exist, showing that early in July, when, after the Scrajcvo mur- j der. Austro-Servian relations were j strained, Signor San Guiliano (Italian ■Minister of Foreign Affairs) urged Austria for moderation to avoid Russian intervention in Servia's favor.

Austria replied that it was not believed that Russia would be sufficiently prepared, after the Japanese war," to undertake military action on behalf of Servia. Austria cited Ruhr's attitude throughout the London conference after the Balkan war, when she ftas unable to make her supremacy in the Balkans felt. ' Signor San Guiliano answered that, according to his information, the situation had changed, and that Russia would not tolerate any attempt to limit Servia's independence, sovereignty, or diminution of territory.

Austria retorted that, in the event of Russia's intervention, she would be answered by Germany's participation in tho war.

Then Signor San V.uiliano pointed out the gravity of this plan, as Germany's action would inevitably mean Britain's intervention.

Both Vienna and Berlin ireplied that they were convinced that at the last moment Britain would not assume the risk of undertaking a European war. Signor San Guiliano rejoined that such a view was erroneous, having sufficient foundation for his opinion that the exact opposite would occur, but his warning was in vain. Events were precipitated by the ultimatum being sent to Servia, without Italy being consulted or notified.