Afternoon: Sazonov sees Paléologue and Buchanan and informs them of the measures approved by the Tsar including the mobilisation of 1.1 million men if necessary. Paléologue repeats that France is unreservedly at Russia’s side.
Sazonov says Russian policy is not to allow Austria to crush Serbia and become the predominant power in the Balkans. Sazonov also points out the Serbian obligations mentioned in the ultimatum are to the Powers and not to Austria alone.
Were Serbia to appeal to the Powers Russia would stand aside and leave the question in the hands of England, France, Italy and Germany. [More]