A semi-official German demand that the Austro-Serbian dispute remain localized suggested Berlin knew more than it admitted. British diplomat Horace Rumbold warned that Vienna was probably acting with German assurances. Grey nevertheless placed too much confidence in his friendship with Prince Lichnowsky, forgetting that a diplomat's professional duty came before personal candor. That confidence in personal relationships may have weakened Britain's already late attempt to organize mediation.
Notable Point · 1:11:24-1:14:17
A warning from Berlin goes unheeded
Horace Rumbold identified likely German backing for Vienna, but Grey continued to trust his personal relationship with Germany's London envoy.