8 July: Grey sees Benckendorff and repeats the substance of Lichnowsky’s remarks. Grey says that discoveries made during the inquiry into the assassination might give the Austro-Hungarians cause to act against Serbia.
Benckendorff believes that would arouse Russian public opinion and he hopes Germany will restrain Austria-Hungary.
He notes Grey’s comment that the Germans feel threatened by Russian armaments and might therefore support Austria-Hungary. Benckendorff says he will talk to Sazonov.
In response to a question from Benckendorff as to seriousness of the situation Grey says it “made his hair stand on edge”.