New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-08-04
u. S. Gets Proof Germany
Knew Beforehand of
Note to Serbia
Zimmerman Says So
Confirms Report That War
Council Was Held on June S,
1914, at Potsdam

Washington, Aug. 3.-Germany had
possession Of Austrias ultimatum to
Serbia fourteen hours before it was de-
livered to Belgrade, according to posi-
tive information which has reached Off
Gals here and made public to-day for
the first time.
1t was stated that former Secretary
Zimmerman admitted this himself
when pressed closely as to Germany's
foreknowledge of the action Of her ally
which precipitated the European war.
Germany has maintained consistently
in all her public documents that she
was not consulted by Austria as to the
ultimatum which practically denied Ser
bias independence and that she did not
have knowledge of the step.
Foreign Secretary Zimmermann's ad-
mission, however, is interpreted here
to show that Germany had full knowl-
edge of the note in time to stop action
on il II she felt il essential. Her in
action, however, is felt to have proved
her an accomplish Of Austria, whom she
had already told she would support In
any decision she might make.
Zimmerman seemed to think four
teen hours was purely negligible time,
which did not allow the possibility Of
action.
Throws Light on War Council
This fact fits in very closely with the
recent statements, first advanced by
Deputy Cohn In the Reichstag, and since
adopted by the Allied governments. that
German and Austrian leaders held a
war council at Potsdam on July 5, 1914,
at which it was practically decided to
plunge Europe into conflict The inter
probation placed on this council has
been that Germany had full knowledge
OF all Austria's plans and stood unre-
servedly behind her.
Authorities here have been informed
that there were present at the war
council, besides Emperor William, the
Crown Prince, Won Bethmann-Hollweg
Won Moltke, Won Falkenhayn and Won
Tirpitz, representing the highest de-
partments OF the German government
European diplomatic gossip, which
however, is accepted in some quarters
here as true history CT the fateful days
of July, 1914, the attitude Of Russia
and the probable course France would
follow were discussed. II is under
stood that the German statesmen ar
rived at the conclusion that Russia
would have to take the part of Serbia
and they felt assured that France would
not take a definite position, although
they were in some doubt concerning
France, believing, however, that she
would not act unless guaranteed sup
port.
War Chiefs Swayed Emperor
After the conference Emperor Will
lam left Berlin, and upon his return
was informed of the suggestion made
by the British Foreign Secretary, Sir
Edward Grey, that there be arbitration
of the questions threatening war. The
Emperor, according to this European
gossip, was inclined TO accept Sir Ed
wards suggestion, but was dissuaded
by his ministers, and especially by Fal-
kenhayn and Tirpitz. who took off their
swords and threatened to resign should
the Kaiser follow such a course.
All the discussion relative TO the
1914 crown council meeting and the
Zimmerman administration has been
inspired by an Interpolation in the
Reichstag by q member, who was cried
down when he requested information
about the Potsdam War Council of July
5, 1914.