Let's find a way out of this mess—July 27

The British fleet on review.

The Tsar suggested proposed negotiations in Vienna based on Serbia's reply to the ultimatum. Austria rejected the idea out-of-hand.

Britain suggested a four power conference (Britain, Germany France and Italy), "for the purpose of discovering an issue which would prevent complications." Despite the odd wording and the characterization of the threatened European war as "complications", this was a sensible suggestion. Germany rejected the idea because a conference "was not practicable." Apparently war was more practicable!

The British Cabinet decided that the fleet, which was concentrated for review at Portland in the English Channel should probably stay where it was rather than disperse. Churchill also got Asquith to  order armed guards be put on ammunition and oil depots.

The German High Command was worried that Austria would take so long to settle this annoying issue with Serbia, that all these meddling other powers would force the crisis to be resolved before any fighting broke out.

With incredible insight, the Kaiser stated, "We are not at war yet." To be fair, he added, "if I can, I shall prevent it." A bit naive and a bit late.