Russia's Response to the Ultimatum

• Serbia’s position was extremely difficult

  • It loathed the idea of giving into its long-term enemy, however, its army had been exhausted by the Balkan Wars
• Serbia’s strategy was to adopt a conciliatory approach and stall for as long as possible while enlisting Russian support

  • King Paul of Serbia was very ill and so the appeal to Russia was signed by his son and regent, Prince Alexander
• At first Russia did not respond clearly due to the Tsar’s classic indecision and the mindfulness that their actions could drag both France and Britain into the conflict, and therefore they should be consulted.
• On the 24th and 25th of July the Russian Council of Ministers met

  = As the deadline drew closer Russia’s response became firmer
• On the 25th it was announced Russia would ‘go to the limit in defence of Serbia’

  • Although this did stop well short of military support
• On the 25th Serbia conceded to all the demands except two:

  • Austrian police officials to be admitted to Serbia to investigate the assassination
  • Austrian lawyers to participate in judicial proceedings against suspects