It was not accepted unconditionally, nor yet refused, and the conference terminated with a request from the Germans for consideration of the question.
In making this proposal, I was fully aware of all that it involved.

If Germany accepted the offer, and we in our consequent negotiations with the Entente did not secure any noteworthy alterations in the Pact of London, we could count on war only.

In that case, we should have to satisfy not only Italy, Roumania, and Serbia, but would also lose the hoped-for compensation in the annexation of Poland.

The Emperor Charles saw the situation very clearly, but resolved at once, nevertheless, to take the proposed step.
I, however, thoroughly believed then--though wrongly--that in the circumstances London and Paris would have been able to effect an amendment in the Pact of London.

It was not until much later that a definite refusal of our offer was sent by Germany.
In April, before a decision had been arrived at, I sent a report to the Emperor Charles explaining the situation to him, and requesting that he would submit it to the Emperor William.
The report was as follows:-- Will Your Majesty permit me, with the frankness granted me from the first day of my appointment, to submit to Your Majesty my responsible opinion of the situation?
It is quite obvious that our military strength is coming to an end.