Originally published August 6, 1914
Probability of Most Awful War in Recent History - War Dogs of Germany Cut Loose - France, Russia and Great-Britain Have Been Drawn Into It - Canada Will do Its Share to Support the Motherland - Dominion Parliament to Meet.
For years is has been the opinion of those who keep informed on matters of national and international import that a great European War was not only possible but very probable and now it has come with all the terrors, devastation and dreadfulness always associated with this unholy method of settling disputed questions. The actual cause of Austria-Hungary’s decision to enter into hostile conflict with Servia was the reply sent by the Balkan state to the note from Vienna, demanding that Servia take steps to put a stop to the Pan Servian propaganda on Austrian territory, and also punish those Servians indirectly concerned in the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand. The response of Servia was considered by the foreign office in Vienna unsatisfactory. Great Britain, through its Foreign Minister, Sir Edward Grey, used every effort to prevent war through mediation, but without avail as Austria and Germany both positively refused to participate in a mediation conference and this refusal was followed by an immediate declaration of war by Austria-Hungary on Servia. The interests of Russia make it imperative that the sovereignty of Servia be maintained and thus Russia is drawn into the conflict, which now includes, besides the two principals, Germany, France and Great Britain.
There is no doubt in British minds that Austria had fully resolved to utilize the provocation afforded by the Saraievo murders to wipe the slate clean of all accounts against Servia and served an ultimatum on her which was designed to have no results save war.
England has no desire for this particular war, which confronts Great Britain: yet there is a general belief that her obligations to her partners in the triple entente, as well as her interests as a great European power force her to support Russia and France in any steps they may take.
Diplomatic relations between Russia and Germany were severed at noon Saturday and the German Ambassador left Paris the same night. The United States has been asked and has agreed to allow their representative to act for the countries at war.
Violation of neutrality by Germany during frontier raids by German, Russian and French troops, clashes between outposts, the bombardment of a Russian Baltic port by a German warship and the seizure of merchant ships by Russia and Germany constituted the striking features Monday of the war on which virtually the whole continent of Europe has started. Sir Edward Grey requested the House of Commons to approach the consideration of the European crisis from the point of view of British interests.
