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
I
n the closing days of July 1914, all of Europe shuddered at
what appeared to be the unavoidable coming of war. AustriaHungary 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
“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”
61
In July 1914, Czar Nicholas II
of Russia and Kaiser
Wilhelm II of Germany
(pictured here in 1910)
attempted to prevent what
soon developed into World
War I. (Corbis Corporation.
Reproduced by permission.)
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 WillyNicky 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.
62
World War I: Primary Sources
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 AustroHungarian 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 AustroHungarian 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.
• 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
Documents of Diplomacy: The Willy–Nicky Telegrams
63
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. An ignoble 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
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.
64
It is with the gravest concern that I hear of the impression which
the action of Austria against Serbia is creating in your country. The
unscrupulous 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 all Sovereigns 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.
World War I: Primary Sources
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 [email protected]: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 against Servia 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 telegram conciliatory and friendly. Whereas official message presented today by your ambassador to my minister was
conveyed in a very different tone. Beg you to explain this divergency!
It would be right to give over the Austro-[S]ervian problem to the
Hague conference. Trust in your wisdom and friendship.
Your loving Nicky
Documents of Diplomacy: The Willy–Nicky Telegrams
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.
65
[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
the tenor 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]
Tenor: Tone.
Berlin, 31 July 1914
Count Pourtalès: The
ambassador.
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 almost illusory.
Express prayer: This is an
elaborate way of saying
“at your request.”
Illusory: Like an illusion;
he may mean unnecessary
or pointless.
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 my endeavours to maintain the peace of the world I have
Endeavours: Efforts.
66
World War I: Primary Sources
gone 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 with
the 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 were obligatory 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 any provocative 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.
Obligatory: Required; in this
case, by treaty.
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 your
Provocative action: Warlike
or decisive action, as opposed
to mere preparations for war.
Documents of Diplomacy: The Willy–Nicky Telegrams
67
telegram. 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
Czar Nicholas II of Russia,
circa 1915. (Archive Photos.
Reproduced by permission.)
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
68
World War I: Primary Sources
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: Raintree 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).
Documents of Diplomacy: The Willy–Nicky Telegrams
69