Afternoon: Szápáry calls on Sazonov. Though Austria-Hungary will not discuss the ultimatum or the Serbian reply, it is ready for a “far broader basis for the exchange of views” and does not wish to damage Russian interests. Sazonov says the Austro-Hungarian note infringes Serbian sovereignty though, oddly, he says it is “quarrelling over words”. He also says “Russian interests are identical with the Serbian”.
While they are talking news arrives Belgrade has been shelled and Sazonov takes it to mean the invasion of Serbia has begun. He tells Szápáry there can be no more discussion and ends the meeting. [More]