The Willy-Nicky Telegrams

Telegrams exchanged between Kaiser Wilhelm II (1859–1941) of Germany and Czar Nicholas II (1868–1918) of Russia

Reprinted from the World War I Document Archive, available online at http://www.lib.byu.edu/~rdh/wwi/1914/willynilly.html

"To try and avoid such a calamity as a European war I beg you in the name of our old friendship to do what you can to stop your allies from going too far."

"Nicky"

"With regard to the hearty and tender friendship which binds us…I am exerting my utmost influence to induce the Austrians to deal straightly to arrive to a satisfactory understanding with you."

"Willy"

In the closing days of July 1914, all of Europe shuddered at what appeared to be the unavoidable coming of war. Austria-Hungary seemed determined to attack Serbia, Russia seemed determined to defend Serbia, and everyone knew that once Austria-Hungary and Russia entered into war both Germany and France would follow. Military leaders in each of the European countries enacted plans to prepare for war: Soldiers were called for duty, ammunition was stockpiled, and trains were made ready. The newspapers brimmed with the latest war preparations. When Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914, most people assumed that widespread war would soon follow. But at the centers of power, two men waged a last-ditch effort to prevent the larger war.

Kaiser Wilhelm II (1859–1941) of Germany and Czar Nicholas II (1868–1918) of Russia were the undisputed leaders of their countries. They each had nearly unlimited political power, and they each controlled the military forces of their respective countries. They also happened to be distant relatives; both were related to the former Russian empress Catherine the Great. Both men were willing to defend the honor of

their countries if war was required, but neither man believed that the fight between Austria-Hungary and Serbia was important enough to merit a larger war. So in the days leading up to the war, they opened a hurried personal correspondence aimed at putting a stop to the coming war. Their letters, excerpted below, are known as the Willy-Nicky telegrams, after the nicknames that the distant cousins had for one another.

Things to remember while reading the Willy-Nicky telegrams:

• Pay close attention to the date and time of the various telegrams, for these tell a great deal about the stress the two leaders were under. Some were sent very early in the morning. The first two telegrams, sent in the early-morning hours of July 29, actually crossed, as did the two messages sent on July 31.
• While Kaiser Wilhelm and Czar Nicholas were expressing to each other their desire for peace, they were also taking steps to prepare for war. Nicholas issued, withdrew, and reissued orders for Russian troops to mobilize; Wilhelm tried to convince Austria-Hungary to draw back from war, but he also prepared Germany's troops to fight on two fronts.
• Mobilizing armies was not the same as going to war, but it made war hard to avoid. Mobilization meant that soldiers reported for duty and prepared to follow their orders and go into battle. Once armies mobilized and military leaders took control of the armies' actions, it was difficult for political leaders to call the armies back.
• Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914, and began shelling the Serbian capital the next day.

The Willy-Nicky Telegrams

July 29 to August 1, 1914

[Csar to Kaiser, July 29, 1:00 A.M.]

Peter's Court Palais, 29 July 1914

Sa Majesté l'Empereur
Neues Palais

Am glad you are back. In this serious moment, I appeal to you to help me. Anignoble war has been declared to a weak country. The indignation in Russia shared fully by me is enormous. I foresee that very soon I shall be overwhelmed by the pressure forced upon me and be forced to take extreme measures which will lead to war. To try and avoid such a calamity as a European war I beg you in the name of our old friendship to do what you can to stop your allies from going too far.

Nicky

[Kaiser to Csar, July 29, 1:45 A.M. This telegram
crossed with the previous telegram.]

28 July 1914

It is with the gravest concern that I hear of the impression which the action of Austria against Serbia is creating in your country. Theunscrupulous agitation that has been going on in Serbia for years has resulted in the outrageous crime, to which Archduke Francis Ferdinand fell a victim. The spirit that led Serbians to murder their own king and his wife still dominates the country. You will doubtless agree with me that we both, you and me, have a common interest as well as allSovereigns to insist that all the persons morally responsible for the dastardly murder should receive their deserved punishment. In this case politics plays no part at all.

On the other hand, I fully understand how difficult it is for you and your Government to face the drift of your public opinion. Therefore, with regard to the hearty and tender friendship which binds us both from long ago with firm ties, I am exerting my utmost influence to induce the Austrians to deal straightly to arrive to a satisfactory understanding with you. I confidently hope that you will help me in my efforts to smooth over difficulties that may still arise.@sph.txt:Your very sincere and devoted friend and cousin,

Willy

[Kaiser to Csar, July 29, 6:30 P.M.]

Berlin, 29 July 1914

I received your telegram and share your wish that peace should be maintained. But as I told you in my first telegram, I cannot consider Austria's action againstServia an "ignoble" war. Austria knows by experience that Servian promises on paper are wholly unreliable. I understand its action must be judged as trending to get full guarantee that the Servian promises shall become real facts. This my reasoning is borne out by the statement of the Austrian cabinet that Austria does not want to make any territorial conquests at the expense of Servia. I therefore suggest that it would be quite possible for Russia to remain a spectator of the [A]ustro-[S]ervian conflict without involving Europe in the most horrible war she ever witnessed. I think a direct understanding between your Government and Vienna possible and desirable, and as I already telegraphed to you, my Government is continuing its exercises to promote it. Of course military measures on the part of Russia would be looked upon by Austria as a calamity we both wish to avoid and jeopardize my position as mediator which I readily accepted on your appeal to my friendship and my help.

Willy

[Csar to Kaiser, July 29, 8:20 P.M.]

Peter's Court Palace, 29 July 1914

Thanks for your telegramconciliatory and friendly. Whereas official message presented today by your ambassador to my minister was conveyed in a very different tone. Beg you to explain thisdivergency! It would be right to give over the Austro-[S]ervian problem to theHague conference. Trust in your wisdom and friendship.

Your loving Nicky

[Kaiser to Csar, July 30, 1:20 A.M.]

Berlin, 30 July 1914

Best thanks for telegram. It is quite out of the question that my ambassadors [sic] language could have been in contradiction with thetenor of my telegram.Count Pourtalès was instructed to draw the attention of your government to the danger & grave consequences involved by a mobilisation; I said the same in my telegram to you. Austria has only mobilised against Servia & only a part of her army. If, as it is now the case, according to the communication by you & your Government, Russia mobilises against Austria, my role as mediator you kindly intrusted [sic] me with, & which I accepted at you[r]express prayer, will be endangered if not ruined. The whole weight of the decision lies solely on you[r] shoulders now, who have to bear the responsibility for Peace or War.

Willy

[Csar to Kaiser, July 30, 1:20 A.M.]

Peter's Court Palais, 30 July 1914

Thank you heartily for your quick answer. Am sending Tatischev [a diplomat] this evening with instructions. The military measures which have now come into force were decided five days ago for reasons of defence on account of Austria's preparations. I hope from all my heart that these measures won't in any way interfere with your part as mediator which I greatly value. We need your strong pressure on Austria to come to an understanding with us.

Nicky

[Kaiser to Csar, July 31]

Berlin, 31 July 1914

On your appeal to my friendship and your call for assistance [I] began to mediate between your and the [A]ustro-[H]ungarian Government. While this action was proceeding your troops were mobilised against Austro-Hungary, my ally. Thereby, as I have already pointed out to you, my mediation has been made almostillusory.

I have nevertheless continued my action. I now receive authentic news of serious preparations for war on my Eastern frontier. Responsibility for the safety of my empire forces preventive measures of defence upon me. In myendeavours to maintain the peace of the world I havegone to the utmost limit possible. The responsibility for the disaster which is now threatening the whole civilized world will not be laid at my door. In this moment it still lies in your power to avert it. Nobody is threatening the honour or power of Russia who can well afford to await the result of my mediation. My friendship for you and your empire, transmitted to me by my grandfather on his deathbed has always been sacred to me and I have honestly often backed up Russia when she was in serious trouble especially in her last war.

The peace of Europe may still be maintained by you, if Russia will agree to stop the milit[ary] measures which must threaten Germany and Austro-Hungary.

Willy

[Csar to Kaiser, July 31. This telegram crossed withthe previous telegram.]

Petersburg, Palace, 31 July 1914 Sa Majesté l'Empereur, Neues Palais

I thank you heartily for your mediation which begins to give one hope that all may yet end peacefully. It is technically impossible to stop our military preparations which wereobligatory owing to Austria's mobilisation. We are far from wishing war. As long as the negociations [sic] with Austria on Servia's account are taking place my troops shall not make anyprovocative action. I give you my solemn word for this. I put all my trust in God's mercy and hope in your successful mediation in Vienna for the welfare of our countries and for the peace of Europe.

Your affectionate Nicky

[Kaiser to Csar, August 1]

Berlin, 1 August 1914

Thanks for your telegram. I yesterday pointed out to your government the way by which alone war may be avoided. Although I requested an answer for noon today, no telegram from my ambassador conveying an answer from your Government has reached me as yet. I therefore have been obliged to mobilise my army.

Immediate affirmative clear and unmistakable answer from your government is the only way to avoid endless misery. Until I have received this answer alas, I am unable to discuss the subject of yourtelegram. As a matter of fact I must request you to immediatly [sic] order your troops on no account to commit the slightest act of trespassing over our frontiers.

Willy

[Csar to Kaiser, August 1]

Peter's Court, Palace, 1 August 1914

Sa Majesté l'Empereur Berlin

I received your telegram. Understand you are obliged to mobilise but wish to have the same guarantee from you as I gave you, that these measures do not mean war and that we shall continue negociating [sic] for the benefit of our countries and universal peace deal to all our hearts. Our long proved friendship must succeed, with God's help, in avoiding bloodshed. Anxiously, full of confidence await your answer.

Nicky

What happened next…

Despite this flurry of telegrams, the two leaders were unable to stop the march to war. Germany felt compelled to honor its commitment to defend Austro-Hungary; Russia felt compelled to defend Serbia. On August 1, 1914, the day of Kaiser Wilhelm's final telegram to Czar Nicholas, Germany declared war on Russia. Other declarations of war followed like a line of dominoes once the first has been tipped: Germany declared war on France on August 3, England declared war on Germany on August 4, and Austria-Hungary declared war on Russia on August 6. Within a matter of days, battles were raging in Belgium, France, Germany, Russia, and Serbia. The disaster that Willy and Nicky had tried to avoid became a reality. For the next four years Europe and much of the world was plunged into the bloodiest and costliest conflict humans had ever witnessed.

Did you know…

• Though World War I started because of a conflict between Austria-Hungary and Serbia, few major battles took place in these two countries. Austria-Hungary and Germany invaded and eventually conquered Serbia by November 1915, and Serbia was not retaken until the end of the war.
• Kaiser Wilhelm II survived the war, but he was forced to abdicate (abandon) the throne of the German Empire in the weeks before the German surrender to the Allied forces on November 11, 1918. He spent the rest of his life in exile in Holland.
• Czar Nicholas abdicated the Russian throne on March 15, 1917, as his people rose up in revolution against his leadership. He and his family were held prisoner at a camp in the Russian town of Yekaterinburg, where they were all assassinated in 1918.

For More Information

Books

Clare, John D., ed. First World War. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace, 1995.

Kent, Zachary. World War I: "The War to End Wars." Hillside, NJ: Enslow, 1994.

Levine, Isaac Don, ed. The Kaiser's Letters to the Tsar, Copied from the Government Archives in Petrograd, and brought from Russia. London: Hodder and Stoughton, Ltd, 1920.

Ross, Stewart. Causes and Consequences of World War I. Austin, TX: Rain-tree Steck-Vaughn, 1998.

Sommerville, Donald. World War I: History of Warfare. Austin, TX: Raintree Steck-Vaughn, 1999.

Stevenson, D. The First World War and International Politics. New York: Oxford University Press, 1988.

Stokesbury, James L. A Short History of World War I. New York: William Morrow, 1981.

Web sites

World War I Document Archive. [Online] http://www.lib.byu.edu/~rdh/wwi/1914/willynilly.html (accessed February 2001).

The Austro-Hungarian Ultimatum to Serbia

When a Serbian-backed assassin killed Austrian archduke Franz Ferdinand—the nephew of Austrian emperor Franz Josef—and his wife on June 28, 1914, there was no doubt that Austria-Hungary would seek revenge. The question was, what form would that revenge take? Some in Austria wanted to investigate the killing like a normal criminal case. But more powerful people within Austria-Hungary—including the leader of Austria's armed forces—saw the murder as an opportunity to teach Serbia a lesson and gain more power in the Balkans (a group of countries occupying the Balkan Peninsula, including the Austro-Hungarian province of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, and parts of Turkey). Austria-Hungary saw a chance to gain territory by taking over parts of Serbia.

After nearly a month of debate, Austro-Hungarian diplomats issued an ultimatum (a list of demands that must be met to avoid attack) to Serbia on July 23, 1914. The Serbian government was asked to renounce (reject) all anti-Austrian propaganda, to arrest and punish any Serbian officials involved in the assassination, and to allow Austro-Hungarian officials to enter Serbia to oversee the investigation within Serbia. In their reply to the ultimatum, sent on July 25, 1914, the Serbs promised to aid in any criminal investigation; but they would not agree to let Austro-Hungarian officials enter Serbia, because they suspected that Austria-Hungary would use the opportunity as an excuse to send an occupying army. The Austro-Hungarians, who insisted that the Serbs accept the entire ultimatum, took the Serb response as a complete rejection of the ultimatum and decided to go to war. Against the urgings of Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914.

Sa Majesté l'Empereur: His Majesty the Emperor.

Neues Palais: The name of the czar's residence.

Ignoble: Not noble; common or lowly.

Unscrupulous: Dishonorable.

Sovereigns: Rulers.

Servia: Serbia.

Conciliatory: Attempting to get along or to resolve past disputes.

Divergency: Difference between the ambassador's message and the kaiser's telegram.

Hague conference: An international court that ruled on disputes between countries.

Tenor: Tone.

Count Pourtalès: The ambassador.

Express prayer: This is an elaborate way of saying "at your request."

Illusory: Like an illusion; he may mean unnecessary or pointless.

Endeavours: Efforts.

Obligatory: Required; in this case, by treaty.

Provocative action: Warlike or decisive action, as opposed to mere preparations for war.