The reconstruction of South-Eastern Europe

THE RECONSTRUCTION OF

went to Sarajevo and the tragedy of his assassination took place. Although it was used as a pretext to begin hostilities, the whole truth about it is not yet divulged. The trial against Princip and Cabrinovié was conducted in camera, and from previous experience of the Austrian law courts, which never did shrink from hiring false witnesses or forging documents to suit the political requirements of Vienna and Budapest, it would be a bold assumption to believe their statements about it. One thing is beyond doubt, Serbia had nothing to win and very much to lose by his assassination, and consequently the Serbian Government was sincere in its condemnation of the crime and would have done everything in its power to prevent it. Budapest, on the contrary, feared much the accession of the Archduke Francis Ferdinand, and was, to say nothing more, very careless about the measures protecting his life. Budapest and the Viennese Court circles believed firmly in the triumph of the Central Empires; they eagerly wished for the crushing of Serbia, but feared beyond everything the return of the late Archduke Ferdinand from the battlefield crowned with the wreath of victory.

For all those who conspired against European peace and liberties the tragedy of Sarajevo was the finest opportunity for letting loose their evil designs. In vain Serbia in her answer to the Austro-Hungarian ultimatum submitted in nearly

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