2. Could the Serbians have accepted the Austrian ultimatum without total
loss of face and sacrifice of their inde-
pendence? British and Russian for-
eign ministers were shocked by the
demands on Serbia. Others thought
that the Austrians were justified and
that Britain would act similarly if
threatened by terrorism. If, as Leo von
Bilinsky said, "The Serb understands
only force," why didn't Austria declare
war without an ultimatum?