Nelson's history of the war. Vol. XI., The struggle for the Dvina, and the great invasion of Serbia

18 HISTORY OF THE WAR.

The British Government discouraged Serbia’s proposal, declaring that the diplomatic and political arguments were against it. Apparently at that late hour we still cherished the vain hope that Bulgaria might stay her hand. It was a fatal decision. It compromised Serbia’s plan of campaign, and could only have been justified if the Western Allies were in the position to fight the campaign on their own account and protect Serbia with ample armies. But this assistance, as we shall see, the Allies were not in the position to afford in time. We crowned our diplomatic failure of the summer by a grave error in military judgment. *

Next day, 28th September, the British Foreign Minister made an important statement in the House

Sept. 28 of Commons. As Sir Edward Grey's "©" words led to much future controversy, they deserve to be quoted in full.

“ My official information from the Bulgarian Government is that they have taken up a position of armed neutrality to defend their rights and independence, and that they have no aggressive intentions whatever against Bulgaria's neighbours.

“It would, perhaps, be well that I should, with the leave of the House, explain quite shortly our view of the Balkan situation. Not only is there no hostility in this country to Bulgaria, but there is traditionally a warm feeling of sympathy for the Bulgarian people. As long, therefore, as Bulgaria does not side with the enemies of Great Britain and her Allies there can be no question of British influence or forces being used in a sense hostile to Bulgarian interests; and, as long as the Bulgarian attitude is unaggressive, there should be no disturbance of friendly relations.

"I, on the other hand, the Bulgarian mobilization were

* Tt is probable that Serbia would not have accepted the British advice had she not counted till the last moment on the loyalty of Greece to her treaty obligations.