I will not go so far as to assert it for a fact, but one thing is certain, that Russia within a measurable space of time had prepared for war as being inevitable and had endeavoured to secure Roumania's co-operation.

When the Tsar was at Constanza a month before the tragedy at Sarajevo, his Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sassonoff, paid a visit to Bucharest.

When there, he and Bratianu went on a walking tour together to Transylvania.

I did not hear of this tactless excursion until it was over, but I shared Berchtold's surprise at such a proceeding on the part of both Ministers.
I once, in 1914, overheard by chance a conversation between two Russians.

It was at the Hotel Capsa, known later as a resort for anti-Austrians.