The Meeting for Mobilisation on 01.08.1914

NoMommsen

Donor
As I'm planning/working on an ATL using a PoD around the signing of the Order of Mobilisation and Wilhem II. order to hold the western deployment and „turn the whole army to the East“ on 01.August 1914, I was looking for a more detailed account of the run of events at this situation.

I didn't found one.

As I'm a pure „hobbyist“. I'm just lacking the time (12 to 16 hours a day „off“ for work), the means and the money to access sources like Afflerbach with their immense ammount of diary sources or the documents collection of Zuber are not available to me as well as access to archivary sources kept by state or university agencies.

I got the „memoirs“ and „remembrabces“ of Moltke, Tirpitz, Wilhelm II., Bethmann-Hollweg as well as the collections of „ducuments leading to the war“ of the british and the german foreign secretaries of that time as well as of some russian documents. Also I access the „official“ history of WW I.
For more recent book-sources with my rather limited „budget for books“ I get my hands on :

Cristopher Clark, Holger Herwig, Allan Mullinson, Hew Strachan, Barbara Tuchman (only whar google-books let you read), Norman Stone, David Stone, partially Holger Afflerbach (also only what google-books let you read).

All these source only present only small tokens, some detail of the meeting, that started at 17:00 on 01.August 1914. The contemporary sources/“memoirs“ are also „suspicious“ of being biased for several reasons. And the tellings of „recent“ historians are often inconsistent in themself as well as compared to their collegues writings, incomplete, wobbly on the exact course of happenings, wobbly on the times, even the dates, often only highlightening one special sentence, sometimes „mixing“ different events.

Two examples :
I.e. : Christopher Clark is very unsecure in the arrival and reception of the different „Lichnowsky“-Telegrams during the 01.08.1914, explaing some of them arriving prior to this meeting some of arriving during the meeting, which arrived clearly afterwards, some he completly ignores (i.e. The „telegram of misunderstanding“ by King George V.).
I.e. Allan Mallison confuses the signing of the „Declaration of Imminent Danger of War“ at the New Palais at Potsdam with the signing of the Order for General Mobilisation. The latter happend during the meeting subject here in the Stars-Hall of the City-Palace. At the New Palias ther is no Stars-hall. And the former happend with all of the royal family present, Crown Prince, Prince Heinrich (who at the 01.08.1914 was already at Kiel, taking his new position of OdO, supreme commander of the Batltic Sea forces).

(Though I don't know, where the by him mentioned table made of wood from the HMS Victory actually was placed.)

What I thought/hoped for being secondary sources turned out to be tertiary or even quartery sources, one „copy 'n past“ from the other.


Therefore I embarked at the task to „reconstruct“ as detailed as possible the run of the events and talks around the signing of the Order of Mobilisation (OoM) at the 01.August 1914.

It's based mainly on the „Remembrances“ of Helmuth von Moltke, of Alfred von Tirpitz, what can/could be read on google-books of Afflerbachs biography of Falkenhayn (unfortunatly the meeting in question is only partially covered by that section) as well as the mentioned document collections with some bits'n pieces from the official History of the War 1914-1918 by the Reichsarchiv.
 

NoMommsen

Donor
This is the „skeleton“ of the „hard“ time-data of the telegrams as well as some „soft“ or „about“ time-data presented in the comtemporary sources I used.
The times given for single situations in „official“ as well as otherwise compiled histories, memoirs and other such tellings I have generally take „as about“ times and not as the exact times of the moments in question.
In these days there was a certain „drive“ for rounded numbers in giving the time of something to happen, not only in german tellings. The same „lust“ for rounded times prevailed in every countrys tellings.


16:23 Arrival of THE first Lichnowsky-Telegram at the foreign office (further called „AA“ for „Außen- Amt“) dispatched from London 11:14.
The telegram reporting about the phonecall Greys before the morning cabinet meeting while Tyrell is present at the german embassy, assumed offering the possibility of british as well as french neutrality if Germany doesn't attack France, what Lichnowsky assures.

About 17:00 Signing of the Order of General Mobilisation

About 17:30 GGS officers leaving the City-Palace by car shout out to the surrounding crows „Mobilisation !“

18:04 Arrival of the second Lichnowsky-Telegram at the AA, dispatched from London 14:10
Tells about another show-of of Tyrell at the german embassy who tells, that Grey wants to make proposals this afternoon for Englands neutrality even in the case that there is war between germany with Russian and France. Meeting with Grey shall take place at 15:30

About 18:40 HQ 16th Division at Trier is called by the (Chief ? Its adjutant ? Another officer/official ?) of GGS not to cross into Luxembourg and recall the according troops

About 19:00 Second „Balcony-Speach“ of Wilhelm II.

19:02 Willy-to-Georgie Telegram sent from the City-Palace' own Telegraph office to London
Thanking for and accepting the offer of neutrality as „just“ reported by the first Lichnowsky- Telegram under the condition, that the british navy as well as army guarantees fro the non- belligerency of France

19:15 Telegram of Bethmann-Hollweg to Lichnowsky passed on to the main Telegraph office
Giving the line of answer to (both?) his telegrams :
-acceptance of proposal if England guarantees with his whole armed forces the unconditional neutrality of France in the german-russian conflict
-the neutrality lasts as long as it takes to „settle“ the conflict
-the decision, when the conflict is settled stay with Germany alone
Mobilisation for technical reasons not changable anymore, Germany guarantees not to cross the french border until 3rd August 19:00 if not an english pledge about the mentioned has happened.

19:20 Telegam of v.Jagow to Lichnowsky passed on to the main Telegraph office
essentially the same content as above

20:00 Second Lichnowsky-Telegram is sent from AA to GGS, War Ministry, Admirality Staff, Marine Secretary

20:30 Second Lichnowsky-Telegram has been seen by Wilhelm II.(as noted by himself on the telegram before being sent back to the AA)

About 21:00 ? Grey pencils the kings answer to Wilhelm II. at the Buckingham Palace
„There must be a misunderstanding ...“

22:02 Arrival of third Lichnowsky-Telegram at the AA, dispatched from London 17:47
tells of the ather unsuccessfull meeting with Grey
passed on to GGS, War Ministry, Admirality Staff, Marine Secretary still on 01.08.1914
Seen by Wilhelm II. FIRST ON 02.08.1914, signed by him that date at 14:30

??:?? Arrival of King George V. Telegram at the City-Palace talking of a „misunderstanding“

23:10 Forth Lichnowsky-Telegram of the day arrives at the AA, dispatched from London 20:26
answer to the chancellors telegram of 19:15. As there is no british proposal (see Telegram of Lichnowsky above) he hasn't taken any steps according to the chancellors telegram.

About 23:00 Moltke is called to Wilhelm
„Now you can do what you want.“

About 23:30 GGS gives orders to proceed with all mobilisation measures as planned, including border incursions i.e. Of Luxembourg

 

NoMommsen

Donor
And this is, what I have made out of it.

I present it to you asking for additional information you might have, things I might got wrong, your opinion, if this is/could be the correct run of events – esp. about the „discussions“ parts and their alignment and timing and the overall timing.

17:00 The Meeting begins
Wilhelm II., Moltke, Falkenhayn, v.Lyncker, some adjutant(s)(?, at least Max von Mutius, one of the Kaisers „wing“adjutants), Hans v.Plessen (intimus of Wilhelm II and "GeneralAdjutant").
Everybody says „hello“
Any earlier time to be set for this meeting to begin seems illogical to me. It will be set as the meeting to decide how to react to whatever reaction might come from Russia to the ultimatum and the conmsequential delivery of the so-called DoW, set exactly for 17:00 Berlin time (MEZ). (That Pourtales deliverd it an hour later, than ordered to do was due to reasons not in his hands. He had to wait for Sasanov ending another meeting.)

17:02 Moltke presents the Order of Mobilisation.
Wilhelm II. hesitates. Moltke and Falkenhayn have to pursuade/talk him into …

17:04 Wilhelm II. signing the Order of Mobilisation (OoM)
(followed by a heartly scene with suppressed tears)

17:05 Tirpitz (and v. Müller ?) show up
and apologize for delay due to traffic, then askes about an „accept“ or any other answer by the russians about the alleged DoW
(He learned/assumed it due to the Reichsrat-meeting earlier that day and a wee talk with Bethmann-Hollweg on this occasion)
On „negative“ answer but presented the OoM by von Plessen he askes, if now german troops will start hostilities immediatly against Russia, which could due to the western deployment be only „mock“ maneuvers.
(Asking on an earlier occasion (30./31.07. ?) Moltke told Tirpitz, that german patrols aren't due to enter russian territory at least for some days.)
Moltke (might) repeat this now.

17:08 v.Jagow shows up,
announcing a „very important dispatch“ from London
asked about it he doesn't/can't/wants to tell about its content, not fully deciphered yet, wants to wait for Bethmann-Hollweg, trys to buy time ? for him to show up
(Does he bluffs or does he knows it content at least partially to call it „important“ ?)

17:10 Moltke/Falkenhayn might assume it unimportant
as war has been declared and therefore mobilisation is a must anyway and will leave such diplomatic discussuions to them and the chancellor, when he shows up.
Excusing themself for the urgency to put the OoM into action

17:12 Moltke and Falkenhayn leave the Stars-Hall

Tirpitz once more stresses the idea of some „toning down“ messages and (maybe) asks again about the haste for the DoW, some talk/discussion (?) about it
(Tirpitz in his memories tells he wanted to get rid of being the one starting the hostilities and the war, instead „leave“ the buisness of starting hostilities and the war to the russians.)

17:15 Bethmann-Hollweg shows up
On information of the OoM gets angry with Wilhelm II. for not having waited for him, as the mobilisation with its (almost) immediatly (in diplomatic/political terms) following/build-in aggressions against France and Belgium (the ultimatum for passage-way pending the next day) are a political decision and would have needed his approval/participation

17:18 First Lichnowsky-Telegram arrives at the meeting,
everyone present rejoices,

17:19 Falkenhayn and Moltke leave the City-Palace
by car, both with at least two cars, the others carrying adjutants (?)
The drivers shouts out to the crowds „Mobilisation“
(The Palace is quite large, they have to cover several flights of stairs, maybe have a wee talk congratulating each other to the mobilisation before entering their cars.)

17:19 Rejoicing at the Stars-Hall
Kaiser, chancellor and Jagow might congratulate themself for having achieved change of british stance
17:21 Decision made to call back Moltke and Falkenhayn, adjutant sent to catch them if they are still at the palace
discussion about the meaning and advantageous possibilities out of the Lichnowsky-Telegram continues

17:24 Falkenhayn arrives at the War Ministry
makes a short speech, its personell proceed with the measures for general mobilisation

17:25 Adjutant reports, that Moltke and Falkenhayn aren't at the palace anymore
GGS and War Ministry are to be phoned for them and messengers are sent

17:27 phonecalls for War Ministry and GGS made
Falkenhayn gets the call
Moltke not, as not at the GGS yet

17:30 Moltkes car(s) are stopped by the messenger
just short of the GGS-building at the Königs-Platz (traffic and crowds took their toll on time) Moltke turns back to the palace while the other car proceeds to the GGS WITH the OoM

17:32 OoM reaches the GGS, orders for the impementation of the planned general mobilisation and deployment are started to be given and sent out
(The OoM mustt have reached the GGS without Moltke for being implemented as IOTL, i.e. Orders to be given to 16th Division in Trier to enter Luxembourg and occupy Ulflingen station.)

17:34 Falkenhayn back at the Stars-Hall
has to aadmit, that the Lichnowsky-Telegram contains some "possibilities"

17:41 Moltke back at the Stars-Hall
(according to Max v.Mutius at least/again now also v.Tappen present)
Wilhelm II. :
„Just lets march with the whole army to the East !“
Moltke :
Impossible. There are no plans for. The deployment of millions can't be improvised
Wilhelm II. insists :
„If the Kaiser orders it it must be possible.“
Moltke :
It needs (about) a years work and once set, can't be changed anymore, on insisting, there wouldn't be a usefull army but an unorganized bunch or armed people without provisions
Wilhelm II :
"Your uncle would have given me a different answer."
Moltke :
It could be catastrophic marching into Russia with a mobil(ised) France at our back. Even if it wants, how could England prevent France from stabbing our back ? France is already mobilizing and its impossible that a mobilised France and a mobilised Germany agree peacefully to not going after each other.
(Did Moltke at that point already knew about the french mobilisation ?? … or did he just assumed it ? … or did he bluffed to talk the Kaiser round ? The according telegram of the german ambassador in Paris arrived much later.)

Opposition from (almost) everybody against Moltke.

Bethmann-Hollweg rejects any political responsibility for not giving into the english offer.

Tirptz insists, that Germany would look as the/an agressor for not giving into the english offer.

Moltke : Germany would give up any chance of success, if the deployment would be disturbed, patrols have already entered Luxembourg and the whole of the 16th division from Trier will follow shortly.
„Last thing left that Russia would jump off.“

Bethmann-Hollweg declares, that Luxembourg must not, under no circumstances be occupied as it would be a direct threat of France and make the offered english guarantee illusoric

Wilhelm II. asks if its possible to stop the incursions in the west, esp. in Luxembourg

Moltke states he can't tell but
v.Tappen confirms it as possible

Wilhelm now turns to the wing-adjutant on-duty and orders him/gives him the order (to write ?) to telegraph/telephone immediatly 16th Division at Trier not to enter Luxembourg

Moltke insists on the vitality of the luxembourgish railways
and rejects military responsibilty for abandoning western deployment
but gets told :
„Then use others.“

Falkenhayn now consoles a „broken“ Moltke and they „return“ with the offer to Wilhelm II. that after the deployment has been carried out as planned, parts of the army as strong as wished could be transferred to the East, but the planned deployment has to be done.

Wilhelm II. accepts.

18:05(about) Answers to London beding to be formulated/drafted :
a „govermental“ by Bethmann-Hollweg, Moltke and Falkenhayn
a „royal“ by Wilhelm II., Tirpitz and v.Müller
Moltkes demands of tempoprary transfer/surrender of Verdun and Toul fortresses are rejected as snub and vote of no-confidence against England

18:17(about) Second Lichnowski-Telegram arrives at the Stars-Hall
Almost everybody jubilees. Wilhelm II. orders champagne.

18:20 (?) Frustrated Moltke leaves the Stars-Hall.

18:30(about) the others leave the Stars.Hall too

18:40(about) HQ 16th Divion at Trier gets called from the GGS to confirm/in confirmation (?) of earlier message (see above)
(Official War History states, that the division was called by phone by (and/or from) the General Staff, even the Chief himself. What could indicate, that the order was written/given during the meeting but executed only after the return of Moltke (and Tappen ?) to the GGS)

Tappen finds Moltke weaping, when asking him to sign the order for 16th Division. Moltke rejects to sign it, telling v.Tappen : „Do with it what you want. I don't sign it.“

Then leaves for home, where his wife assumes from his overall state, that he might have suffered a small stroke again.
(Unclear for me, if he goes home as stated by him in his „memoirs“ or if he goes to the GGS, as it would be indicated by the later happenings.)

18:45(about) Bethmann-Hollweg and Jagow formulate their telegrams to Lichnowsky

19:00(about) Second Balcony speech of Wilhelm II.

19:02 Telegram of Wilhelm II. (the above formulated) sent from Palace Telegraph Office

19:15 Telegram of the Chancellor to Lichnowsky passed on to the main Telegraph Office

19:20 Telegram of v. Jagow to Lichnowsky passed to the Main Telegraph Office

22:02 Telegram of Lichnowsky arrives at the AA (telling of the meeting with Sir E. Grey), dispatched from London 17:47
passed on to GGS, War Ministry, Marine Secretary and Admirality Staff still at 01.08.1914
Seen by Wilhelm II. 02.08.1914 14:30

23:10 Lichnowsky-Telegram answering Chancellors Telegram 19:15 arrives at AA, dispatched from London 20:26

Edit for :
new detail, Hans von Plessen being there from the begining
 
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If Wilhelm had been historically minded he would have said to Moltke, when the Chef der Großergeneralstab said he "must" sign the order, Muß kein Wort für Fürsten sein! Kleiner Mann, kleiner Mann, wenn Ihr verstorbener Onkel hier wäre, würde er es nie wagen, ein solches Wort auszusprechen!"

(A theft from Elizabeth not then I. The original was to Robert Cecil, when he said she must go to bed: "Must is not a word to be used to princes! Little man, little man, if your late father were here he would never dare utter such a word." [But "Onkel", uncle, for father, „Vater"])
 

NoMommsen

Donor
@Major Major
Cute idea :).
Unfortunatly I haven't found (yet) any retelling of what happened between Wilhelm II., Moltke and Falkenhayn prior to the signing of the OoM and how they finally persuaded the Kaiser to do so.

@Mirage
NITPICKER :p;)
(no offense meant M8)
 

NoMommsen

Donor
Did some edits on spelling and after some "role-play" check on times.

Any objections ?
Could it be used as a ... base ?
 
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