File No. 763.72/98 The Ambassador in Great Britain (Page) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] AMERICAN EMBASSY, London, August 3, 1914, 10 p. m. Information reaches me from an army source that the Britannic land forces are mobilizing to the last man including territorials and that an expeditionary force will be sent to the Continent. Immense crowds are marching the streets to-night in the region of the War Office and the Parliament buildings. The prevailing opinion is that the British Government will be in the war very quickly. AMERICAN AMBASSADOR File No. 763.72/104 The Minister in Belgium (Whitlock) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] AMERICAN LEGATION, Brussels, August 4, 1914, noon. [Received 1.30 p. m.] The King, in fatigue uniform of Lieutenant General ready to take the field at the head of his army, opened parliament this morning amid scenes of tremendous enthusiasm. Prime Minister read correspondence with Germany, the tenor of which was indicated in my August 3, midnight. To this was added a note received this morning from German Minister announcing that Germany would [insist on?] her demands. Government considers this equivalent to declaration of war. I am informed in strictest confidence that King of England in personal message to King of the Belgians, not yet made public, has given formal assurances of support in the event of German invasion. WHITLOCK The Secretary of State to the Minister in Belgium (Whitlock) [Telegram] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, August 4, 1914, 6 p. m. Regret telegram from parliamentary group arrived after war declared. THE OFFER OF GOOD OFFICES (AUGUST 4-5)—THE SPREAD OF File No. 763.72119/5 HOSTILITIES The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Austria-Hungary (Penfield)1 [Telegram] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, August 4, 1914, 7 p. m. The President directs me to ask you to personally deliver to His Majesty the Emperor the following communication from the President to His Majesty: As official head of one of the powers signatory to the Hague convention, I feel it to be my privilege and my duty under Article 3 of that convention to say to you in a spirit of most earnest friendship that I should welcome an opportunity to act in the interest of European peace, either now or at any other time that might be thought more suitable, as an occasion to serve you and all concerned in a way that would afford me lasting cause for gratitude and happiness. WOODROW WILSON W. J. BRYAN File No. 763.72111/10 The Ambassador in Germany (Gerard) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] AMERICAN EMBASSY, Berlin, August 4, 1914, 6 p. m. At opening Reichstag Chancellor announced Germany was compelled to violate neutrality Belgium come what may. Also that if England remained neutral no attack by German fleet would be made on north coast France or French merchant marine. Not molesting French merchant marine to be in return for similar agreement as to German merchant marine. Credit of five hundred 1 The same to the Ambassadors in Russia and Germany and, on August 5, to those in Great Britain and France. On August 5, also, copies of the telegram were handed by the Secretary of State to the representatives of these governments, who had been specially invited to call at the Department for the purpose. The replies of the different governments, are printed in the order of their receipt, as follows: France: received August 7, 6.10 a. m., p. 48. Austria-Hungary: received August 8, 5 a. m., pp. 49-50. Great Britain: received August 8, 5 a. m., p. 50. Germany received August 15, 7.30 p. m., pp. 60-1. Russia: received August 27, 1.45 p. m., pp. 45, 78-9. In connection with this offer, see also the communications from: Guatemala: received August 10, p. 53. Italy received August 11, 5.30 p. m., p. 54. Spain: received August 17, 9.30 a. m., pp. 63-4. milliards plus three hundred million marks voted without opposition and with great enthusiasm. No foreigners are permitted to leave Germany until mobilization over. No military news of importance. French Ambassador leaving and is sent out via Austria. Crowds in streets excitable and make many attacks on alleged Russians. I think war with England question of hours. GERARD File No. 763.72/116 The Ambassador in Great Britain (Page) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] AMERICAN EMBASSY, London, August 4, 1914, 8 p. m. [Received 11.10 p. m.] 263. The Counselor of the German Embassy has informed Mr. Laughlin that the German Ambassador will give Germany's answer to England's ultimatum to-morrow and that he expects to leave London on Thursday morning, when the German Embassy will be turned over to me. The German Naval Attaché has just told Commander Symington that he regards war with England as certain and that he has so telegraphed his Government. He remarked that every hour that Germany could now gain was of very great value and that for this reason Germany might temporize with England somewhat. The Austrian Ambassador called on me this morning and made all arrangements to turn over his Embassy to me, expressing his expectation to leave London very soon. AMERICAN AMBASSADOR File No. 763.72/115 The Ambassador in Great Britain (Page) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] AMERICAN EMBASSY, London, August 5, 1914, 2 a. m. [Received August 4, 11.59 p. m.] 269. It is everywhere understood that war with Germany begins at midnight to-night although no formal declaration will be made till to-morrow morning. Rumors reach me from apparently trustworthy sources, which however now unconfirmed, that a large English force will be landed in Belgium between midnight and to-morrow morning and that the French and English fleets have united in the North Sea and that a naval battle with the German fleet is expected at any time. AMERICAN AMBASSADOR File No. 763.72/114 The Ambassador in Great Britain (Page) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] AMERICAN EMBASSY, 271. I have received at this moment, 1.40 a. m., August 5, a note from the Foreign Office dated August 4 informing me that a state of war exists between Great Britain and Germany. AMERICAN AMBASSADOR File No. 763.72/130 The Ambassador in Great Britain (Page) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] AMERICAN EMBASSY, London, August 4, 1914, 10 p. m. 265. Sir Edward Grey has just informed me that his Government has this afternoon sent an ultimatum to the German Government expiring at midnight to-night. The ultimatum is that Germany must withdraw her demands made of Belgium and respect the treaty insuring the integrity of Belgium. (The hour of the expiration of the ultimatum was given in strict confidence to me.) Sir Edward explained at length the designs of Germany. If Belgium were acquired, then of course Holland would be, then Denmark. The Swedish Minister had informed him to-day that Germany had made overtures to his country to join the German side. The Germans had made proposals to England to secure English neutrality which England regarded impossible. Sir Edward said: "All governments must rest on mutual agreements and the sacredness of treaties is all that separates us from unorganized society. England's position becomes impossible if we accede to the violation of the treaty insuring Belgium's neutrality." During his long explanation made in the most impressive way tears came into his eyes as he declared that he was heart-broken to think that what he had so long and earnestly striven for had now failed. "It gives one the feeling of a life [of] wasted effort." He asked me to convey this information to the President and he hoped that he might ask the attitude and courtesies of neutrality on our part. He accepted with thanks your offer to take over British interests in Berlin and Vienna when the time comes. AMERICAN AMBASSADOR File No. 763.72111/368 Memorandum of the Office of the Secretary of State DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, August 5, 1914. The Belgian Government on the afternoon of August 5, 1914, presented the following: Germans have penetrated upon Belgian territory; neutrality violated. Inform Government of United States that Belgium will resist by force. File No. 763.72/147 The Minister in Belgium (Whitlock) to the Secretary of State Seat of Government may be transferred to Antwerp within the fortifications. In that case diplomatic corps may follow. Has Department any instructions for me on this subject? WHITLOCK File No. 763.72111N39/9 The Chargé d'Affaires in Denmark (Magruder) to the Secretary of The Chargé d'Affaires in Russia (Wilson) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] AMERICAN EMBASSY, St. Petersburg, August 6, 1914, 10 a. m. [Received 11.30 a. m.J Department's August 4, 7 p. m.1 Have asked audience through Minister for Foreign Affairs stating reason. He replied offer comes too late for Russia, should have been made earlier. Austria only country where it can help now. Audience with the Emperor uncertain on account of numerous engagements and approaching departure for Moscow where he will remain some time. 'See footnote, ante, p. 42. WILSON |