It could almost be imagined that the elements were foreshadowing the storm about to break across Europe as the upshot of the Archduke’s murder. Not that a “well-informed Correspondent” in Vienna on the same page could see anything of the sort, as he wrote that “it may confidently be expected that the Monarchy will continue to pursue the pacific and steadfast policy which is notoriously dear to the aged Emperor and his confidential advisers. Nor will the loss of the Heir Apparent … affect that policy in the long run.” How inaccurate this assertion would prove to be would be clear three weeks later.