Quote#Wisdom
We must maintain Austria proper. Were Russia to unleash the South…
Quote byTheobald von Bethmann Hollweg · 1856–1921
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Remarks recorded in Kurt Riezler's diary (23 July 1914), quoted in Konrad H. Jarauschl, ‘The Illusion of Limited War: Chancellor Bethmann Hollweg's Calculated Risk, July 1914’, Central European History, Vol. 2, No. 1 (Mar., 1969), p. 62.
English (original)
We must maintain Austria proper. Were Russia to unleash the South Slavs, we would be lost. ... If the Serbian quarrel passes without Russian mobilization, we can safely come to an understanding with the Tsar, [who will be] disappointed in the Western powers, once Austria is satisfied.
— Theobald von Bethmann Hollweg
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