Powers to come to reason and to an understanding, but continually to create new, accomplished facts before an intervention could gain ground.
On the evening of July 23rd the Austrian Minister delivered his Government's Note in Belgrade. Not till the following day was it transmitted to the Governments of France, England, Italy and Russia. And on the 25th Serbia's answer was demanded! Paschitsch, nevertheless, gave this answer at the desired time. It was a detailed document that, contrary to expectations, consented in the main to all the Austrian Government's demands, in spite of their unheard-of severity. And Austria? It was officially reported from Vienna:
"The Premier, M. Paschitsch, appeared at the Austrian Legation in Belgrade a few minutes before six, and gave an inadequate answer to the Austro-Hungarian Note. Baron Giesl thereupon notified him of the breaking off of diplomatic relations, and left Belgrade with the Legation staff at 6.30 p.m."
So a whole thirty minutes after delivery of the Note the Austrian Legation was already on the way to Vienna. Baron Giesl had announced the rupture of diplomatic relations even before he could have properly read the Serbian answer, to say nothing of examining it.
While Vienna seized upon this speed to bring about the longed-for war with Serbia before Europe had grasped what was afoot, Berlin displayed not the slightest haste to enlighten Europe as to her views on these events.
