The Willy-Nicky Correspondence

The Willy-Nicky Correspondence was a set of telegrams between Wilhelm II of the German Empire and Tsar Nicholas II of Russia from June 16, 1914 up until August 2, 1914.

Kaiser Wilhelm II and Tsar Nicholas II were third cousins (both were great-great-grandsons of Paul I of Russia) and first cousins through Nicholas' wife, Alix of Hesse. The emperors corresponded in English and were accustomed to calling each other "Willy" and "Nicky" but would use their counterparts' formal names when either one of them was upset or in distress.

The term Willy-Nicky Correspondence was coined by Herman Bernstein who revealed in the New York Herald in September 1917 that the two emperors had a secret telegram-correspondence which he published in a book shortly after in January 1918.

The telegrams start with a plea from the Tsar to the Kaiser to try to stop the serious developments that led up to World War I. An excerpt:

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.

Ultimately, the correspondence changes tone and the two leaders warn each other of impending mobilization due to factors out of their control, while retaining the notion that mobilization does not mean war. An excerpt of the last telegram:

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 telegram. As a matter of fact I must request you to immediately order your troops on no account to commit the slightest act of trespassing over our frontiers. Willy

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Diplomacy of the great powers 1871–1913
Great powers
Treaties and agreements
Events