'The Willy-Nicky Telegrams', as they are known by historians, represent the correspondence between the German Kaiser, Wilhelm II, and the Russian Tsar, Nicholas II, on the eve of First World War, between July 29th and August 1st 1914. The two monarchs were third degree cousins, as great-grandchildren of Paul I of Russia, and first degree cousins through Nicholas’s wife. The two would seldom write to each other, in English, and would address one another as Willy and Nicky. The telegrams sent during the so-called July Crisis precede the outburst of the war and represent the last attempt to amicably resolve, at the highest diplomatic level, the crisis that had started with Franz Ferdinand’s assassination. You can also read: The assassination that changed history Tsar to Kaiser
29 July 1914, 1 a.m. Peter's Court Palais, 29 July 1914 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. Kaiser to Tsar
29 July 1914, 1.45 a.m. (this and the previous telegraph crossed) 28 July 1914 Tsar Nicholas IIIt 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
