Heinrich Abeken Biography

Birth of Heinrich Abeken

Appointed Privy Councillor of legation (Geheimer Legationsrath)

Ordered by William to telegram Bismarck of the telegram received from Gramont. Bismarck uses Abekens telegram to declare war

Bismarck uses Abekens telegram to declare war

Bismarck took it upon himself to edit the report, sharpening the language. He cut out Wilhelm's conciliatory phrases and emphasized the real issue. The French had made certain demands under threat of war; and Wilhelm had refused them.

Certainly the edit of the telegram, released on the evening of the same day (13 July) to the media and foreign embassies, gave the impression both that Benedetti was rather more demanding and that the King was exceedingly abrupt.

It was designed to give the French the impression that King Wilhelm I had insulted Count Benedetti; likewise, the Germans interpreted the modified dispatch as the Count insulting the King

The King's secretary Heinrich Abeken wrote an account, which was passed on to Otto von Bismarck in Berlin. Wilhelm described Benedetti as "very importunate." The King gave permission to Bismarck to release an account of the events.

This was no forgery; it was a clear statement of the facts.

Death of Heinrich Abeken