File No. 763.72/1003

The German Ambassador (Bernstorff) to the Secretary of State

[Translation]

Mr. Secretary of State: On August 25 the Agence Havas gave out the following intelligence:

We hear from Petersburg that the Russian mobilization which had begun on July 25 was completed on August 24.

With reference to this Havas announcement I have, by order of my Government, the honor to call your excellency’s attention to the fact that, as is shown in the German White Book, the Russian Minister of War on July 27 assured, on his word of honor, the German Military Attaché that no mobilization order had yet been issued. That assurance was received two days later from the Chief of the Russian General Staff, also on his word of honor.

Accept [etc.]

J. Bernstorff