The Imperial German
Government have used every effort since the beginning of the crisis to bring
about a peaceful settlement. In compliance with a wish expressed to
him by His Majesty the Emperor of Russia, the German Emperor had undertaken,
in concert with Great Britain, the part of mediator between the Cabinets of
Vienna and St. Petersburg; but Russia, without waiting for any result,
proceeded to a general mobilisation of her forces both on land and sea.
In consequence of this
threatening step, which was not justified by any military proceedings on the
part of Germany, the German Empire was faced by a grave and imminent danger.
If the German Government had failed to guard against this peril, they would
have compromised the safety and the very existence of Germany.
The German Government were,
therefore, obliged to make representations to the Government of His Majesty
the Emperor of All the Russias and to insist upon a cessation of the
aforesaid military acts. Russia having refused to comply with this demand,
and having shown by this refusal that her action was directed against
Germany, I have the honour, on the instructions of my Government, to inform
your Excellency as follows:
His Majesty the Emperor,
my august Sovereign, in the name of the German Empire, accepts the
challenge, and considers himself at war with Russia.
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