21 July: Grey sees Benckendorff and presses his idea for direct talks between Russia and Austria-Hungary. Grey thinks direct talks are “the surest means” of avoiding a clash and keeping Vienna’s demands “within reasonable limits”.
Grey makes clear to Benckendorff that it is not Britain’s business “to take violent sides in this matter”. Grey says Britain is willing to urge Belgrade to give the utmost assurances for the future prevention of further plots if the assassination plot originated in Serbia.