Die digitale Landesbibliothek Oberösterreich

Prinz Heinrich von Preußen an den König von England1 
Telegramm (ohne Nummer) Berlin, den 30. Juli 1914* 2 
His Majesty the King, Buckingham Palace London 
Am here since yesterday, have informed William of what you 
kindly told me at Buckingham Palace last Sunday who gratefully 
received your message. 
William, much preoccupied, is trying his utmost to fulfill 
Nickys appeal to him to work for maintenance of peace and is in 
constant telegraphic communication with Nicky who to-day con- 
firms news that military measures have been ordered by him equal 
to mobilisation, measures which have been taken already five days 
ago. 
We are furthermore informed that France is making military 
preparations, whereas we have taken no measures, but may be 
forced to do so any moment, should our neighbours continue which 
then would mean a European war. 
If you really and earnestlv wish to prevent this terrible 
disaster, may I suggest you using your influence on France and 
also Russia to keep neutral, which seems to me would be most 
useful. 
This 1 consider a very good, perhaps the only chance to main- 
tain the peace of Europe. 
I may add that now more than ever Germany and England 
should lend each other mutual help to prevent a terrible cata- 
strophy, which otherwise seems unavoidable. 
Believe me that William is most sincere in his endeavours to 
maintain peace, but that the military preparations of his two 
neighbours may at last force him to follow their example for the 
safety of his own country which otherwise would remain 
defenceless. 
I have informed William of my telegram to you and hope you 
will receive my informations in the same Spirit of friendship which 
suggested them. 
Henry 
1 Vgl. deutsches Weißbuch vom Mai 1915, S. 44; siehe auch Nr. 452. 
2 Das auf Telegrammformular geschriebene und von der Hand des Prinzen 
Heinrich Unterzeichnete Telegramm lag dem Kaiser vor, der darauf ver- 
' merkte: »Gelesen. W. 30. VII. 14. 12 h 15 min.« Telegramm ging dann 
dem Reichskanzler zu, der sofortige offene Absendung verfügte; Telegramm 
216 nachm, zum Haupttelegraphenamt.