File No. 763.72119/8
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Page) to the Secretary of State
London, August 7, 1914, 10 p.m.
[Received August 8, 5 a.m.]
[Telegram]
298. I have just come from a long conversation with Sir Edward Grey. He explained at length why England went to war only because war was forced upon her and therefore without any object except to keep her faith and to preserve her place among the nations. She will welcome mediation whenever a favorable time comes. If the war be brief, the chance may come quickly. If it prove a long-drawn, equal struggle, a chance may come when this fact becomes apparent. Sir Edward was most appreciative of the President’s offer and requested me to convey the British Government’s thanks.