July 20–23: French President Raymond Poincaré on state visit to the Tsar at St Petersburg – urges intransigent opposition to any Austrian measure against Serbia. July 23: Austria-Hungary, following their own secret enquiry, sends an ultimatum to Serbia, containing their demands, and gave only forty-eight hours to comply. July 24: Sir Edward Grey, speaking for the British government, asks that Germany, France, Italy and Great Britain, "who had no direct interests in Serbia, should act together for the sake of peace simultaneously."[20] July 24: Serbia seeks support from Russia and Russia advises Serbia not to accept the ultimatum.[21] Germany officially declares support for Austria's position.