by Richard van Pelt, WWI Correspondent

No edition of the Capital Journal was published on the 26th. In Europe, events continue toward war.

In Russia the war minister partially calls up the Russian reserves, tightens security, and puts bases on alert throughout European Russia, including near the German frontier. Although assured that this is directed solely against Austria, Germany begins to become very alarmed by Russian war preparations.

The British foreign secretary proposes a four-power conference of himself with the French, German and Italian Ambassadors in London, during which Austria will suspend military operations – The German Ambassador eagerly supports the idea.

British Admiral Battenberg secretly orders the British fleet to remain concentrated at Portland and prevents the release of naval reservists.

After learning of German military preparations, France recalls troops on leave.

In St. Petersburg, the German Ambassador Pourtalès warns that Russian war preparations could provoke German mobilization, and suggests an Austro-Serbian compromise – The Russian foreign minister readily encourages it. Berlin ignores its ambassador in Russia.

Giving in to German pressure, Austria decides to declare war on Serbia quickly, although not yet prepared for total war.

Montenegro, closely aligned with Serbia, orders mobilization

An article in the semi-official North German Gazette portrays an Austrian attack on Serbia as unavoidable, and warns the powers against interfering. Anticipating a general war, Germany adopts the official policy of blaming Russia.

The German Chief of Staff Moltke prepares an ultimatum demanding Belgium allow entry for German forces to counter a fictitious French invasion.