11.20 P.M.: Zimmermann prepares an unencoded telegram for Bethmann to send Tschirschky telling him not to carry out the instructions of Telegram 200. It is unencoded so the recipient will see it as soon as possible.
Zimmermann drafts a second explanatory telegram for encoding. It says “I have suspended execution of Telegram 200” because the General Staff say “the military preparations of our neighbours, especially in the East, expose us to surprises” and they urgently need to know what military decisions are being taken in Vienna. [More]