Germany Gives Austria a Blank Check

CHANCELLOR THEOBALD VON BETHMANN-HOLLWEG, Telegram to the German Ambassador at Vienna (July 6, 1914)

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, in June 1914 provided the Austrian government with an excuse to launch a punitive war against Serbia. Tensions between Austria and Serbia had already resulted in the one war, and the assassination seemed to many in Austria to present a perfect start to a second. There was, however, a problem. An Austrian attack on Serbia would almost certainly result in an attack on Austria by Serbia’s ally Russia. This was a risk the Austrians were willing to take, but only if they could count on the assistance of Germany, with which Austria had a defensive alliance. With this in mind, Austrian diplomats looked to Berlin for guidance before they took any irreversible steps. This telegram, the famous “blank check,” was Germany’s response to those inquiries. Heartened by the support it offered, Austria went to war against Serbia, setting off a chain reaction that would quickly engulf all of Europe.

Confidential. For Your Excellency’s personal information and guidance

The Austro-Hungarian Ambassador yesterday delivered to the Emperor1 a confidential personal letter from the Emperor Francis Joseph,2 which depicts the present situation from the Austro-Hungarian point of view, and describes the measures which Vienna has in view.3 A copy is now being forwarded to Your Excellency.

I replied to Count Szagyeny4 today on behalf of His Majesty that His Majesty sends his thanks to the Emperor Francis Joseph for his letter and would soon answer it personally. In the meantime His Majesty desires to say that he is not blind to the danger which threatens Austria-Hungary and thus the Triple Alliance5 as a result of the Russian and Serbian Pan-Slavic6 agitation. Even though His Majesty is known to feel no unqualified confidence in Bulgaria and her ruler, and naturally inclines more toward our old ally Rumania and her Hohenzollern prince,7 yet he quite understands that the Emperor Francis Joseph, in view of the attitude of Rumania and of the danger of a new Balkan alliance aimed directly at the Danube Monarchy,8 is anxious to bring about an understanding between Bulgaria and the Triple alliance. . . . His Majesty will, further more, make an effort at Bucharest, according to the wishes of the Emperor Francis Joseph, to influence King Carol9 to the fulfillment of the duties of his alliance, to the renunciation of Serbia, and to the suppression of the Rumanian agitations directed against Austria-Hungary.

Finally, as far as concerns Serbia, His Majesty, of course, cannot interfere in the dispute now going on between Austria-Hungary and that country, as it is a matter not within his competence. The Emperor Francis Joseph may, however, rest assured that His Majesty will faithfully stand by Austria-Hungary, as is required by the obligations of his alliance and of his ancient friendship.

From Louis L. Snyder ed., Documents of German History (New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers University Press, 1958), pp. 310-311.