My Mission to London, 1912-1914

A candid memoir from a senior German diplomat offers a rare glimpse into the world of European politics on the eve of the Great War. Arriving in London in 1912, the ambassador quickly found himself moving between grand state rooms and bustling cafés, where he negotiated delicate issues while absorbing the rhythms of British society. His reflections capture the formal courtesies of high‑level meetings as well as the informal chatter that shaped opinions behind closed doors.

Drawing on a distinguished aristocratic background and a career that spanned military service and foreign offices, he describes the personalities that dominated the diplomatic stage—from seasoned statesmen to rising political voices. The narrative reveals how seemingly minor misunderstandings and national pride fueled an uneasy tension between the two powers. Through vivid anecdotes and thoughtful commentary, listeners gain a nuanced portrait of a pivotal moment when diplomacy still held the promise of averting conflict.