Mitteilungen des Österreichischen Staatsarchivs 35. (1982)
WILSON, Keith: Isolating the Isolator. Cartwright, Grey and the seduction of Austria-Hungary 1908–1912
186 Keith Wilson Europe after 1815, when the armies of the Powers were relatively small and when their ambitions were moderate - a happy period, which was unfortunately upset when Prussia began to arm, and thereby initiated an era of restlessness and anxiety for Europe. Mr Cartwright points out1) that it is absurd that Austria- Hungary should receive her orders from Berlin; she is strong enough to stand by herself. He suggests that, when the present heir to the throne succeeds, this country should do all in its power to inaugurate a new policy at Vienna - inspired by the ancient Habsburg traditions — by which Austro-Italian difficulties might be settled and German influence cast aside. He assumes that Germany would accept this new position and follow quietly in the wake of the new combination, thereby assuring the peace of Europe. Would this policy not be fraught with considerable danger? The balance of power in Europe would be completely upset and Germany left without even her nominal allies. Is it not more than likely that she would consider this humiliating position intolerable and risk everything in defence of her honom-, dragging Europe into what would be the most terrible war in all history? Query: shall I pursue the following course of action? Thank Mr Cartwright for his interesting despatch, (adding that his suggestions will be borne in mind)2). R. H. Collier3). While the persuasion of Austria was in progress we should be in some danger for if Germany resents and is frightened at our friendly relations with Russia any overtures to Austria which might come to the ears of Germany would be calculated to produce on her a much greater effect. W. Langley4). It is quite true as pointed out in the first minute that an attempt to isolate Germany by setting Austria against her might precipitate a conflict. On the other hand it is also true that if Germany dominated Europe the result would also be war. We have to steer between these two dangers. At present there is a fair equilibrium and we should not try to make a breach between Germany and Austria. But Austria should not be too servile to Germany; at any rate not to the extent of going out of her way to oppose us in such matters as Macedonian Reform. E. Grey. No. 2: Sir Fairfax L. Cartwright to Sir Edward Grey, Vienna, 5 February 1909. PRO FO 371/599/5138. Very confidential. I have the honom to report that M. Crozier, the French Ambassador, called upon me this morning with the evident purpose of discussing the present views of Baron von Aehrenthal with regard to Austria-Hungary’s foreign policy. I ventme to report to you the substance of this conversation, as it is not without some interest at the present ') The practice of the British Foreign Office from 1906 was to file despatches in such a way that the most junior officials had an opportunity to comment first upon them. The docket made its way up the hierarchy of the Office to the Foreign Secretary, accumulating comments from officials in increasingly senior positions as it did so. 2) Collier had second thoughts about the words in brackets, and Grey agreed to their omission. 3) Junior Clerk, November 1905 to September 1910. 4) Senior Clerk 1902-7, Assistant Under-Secretary 1907-18.
