File No. 763.72/116
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Page) to the Secretary of State
London, August 4, 1914, 8 p.m.
[Received 11:10 p.m.]
[Telegram]
263. The Counselor of the German Embassy has informed Mr. Laughlin that the German Ambassador will give Germany’s answer to England’s ultimatum to-morrow and that he expects to leave London on Thursday morning, when the German Embassy will be turned over to me.
The German Naval Attaché has just told Commander Symington that he regards war with England as certain and that he has so telegraphed his Government. He remarked that every hour that Germany could now gain was of very great value and that for this reason Germany might temporize with England somewhat.
The Austrian Ambassador called on me this morning and made all arrangements to turn over his Embassy to me, expressing his expectation to leave London very soon.