The hypocrisy of the German Chancellor in regard to Sir
Edward Grey's various proposals for mediation between Austria and Russia is well shown in another document in the Red Book. He promised to transmit to Vienna the proposals, to which he apparently agreed in principle. But it turns out, as was always suspected, that he advised Austria to disregard Sir Edward Grey's earnest efforts for peace. " The German Govern- ment," the Austrian Ambassador reported on July 27th, 1914,
declares most emphatically that it in no wise identifies itself with these proposals and is emphatically against regard being paid to them, and only transmits them in order to comply with the British request." Herr von Bethmann Hollweg's sancti- monious, professions of his desire to avert war contrast strangely with his actions.
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