PART I THE FIRST SUGGESTION OF MEDIATION BY THE UNITED STATES (JULY 28)-THE OPENING OF HOSTILITIES-Continued Subject Two hundred thousand called to colors, not considered mobilization. Maneuvers on sea. Navy has one million lira available for munitions of war. Germany tries to justify her acts in Belgium by claiming France intended violating Belgian neutrality. German Minister remains in Belgium. Belgium temporizing until England makes known her position. Martial law proclaimed. German Ambassador has left Paris, turning over Embassy to United States. Raids by French aeronauts in German territory and violation of Belgian neutrality by Germans. France has attacked German territory several times since August Germany declares war on 1. France. THE OFFER OF GOOD OFFICES (AUGUST 4-5)-THE SPREAD OF HOSTILITIES Aug. 4 To the Ambassador Good offices of President Wilson 42 in Austria-Hungary (telegram). Same to Ambassadors in Russia and Germany and on August 5 to Ambassadors in France and Great Britain. do. From the Ambassador in Germany (telegram). PART I THE OFFER OF GOOD Offices (AUGUST 4-5)—THE SPREAD OF HOSTILITIES Subject Germany's answer to England's ultimatum expected hourly. German and Austrian Ambassadors preparing to leave, turning over their interests to United States. War declared between Great Britain and Germany. Large British force landed in Belgium. French and English Fleets in North Sea to engage German Fleet. A state of war exists between Great Britain and Germany. Ultimatum to German Government: Germany must withdraw her demands on Belgium and respect treaty insuring her neutrality. Designs of Germany to acquire Belgium, Holland, and Denmark. Germany has already asked Sweden to join German side. Belgian Government announces that Germans have violated Belgian neutrality and entered her territory. Belgium will resist by force. Capital may be removed to Ant werp. Diplomatic corps may follow. Denmark declares neutrality. Page 43 43 44 44 45 45 45 Aug. 6 From the Chargé Peace offers come too late for 45 d'Affaires in Russia (telegram). Russia. From the Italian Italy intends to remain neutral.___ 46 Chargé d'Affaires. PART I THE OFFER OF GOOD OFFICES (AUGUST 4-5)-THE SPREAD OF HOSTILITIES From the Russian Ambassador (telegram). From the Ambassador in France (telegram). From the Chargé d'Affaires in Denmark (telegram). From the Chargé d'Affaires in Russia (telegram). To the Minister in Belgium (telegram). From the Vice Consul General at Cairo (telegram). Diplomatic Corps to move to Antwerp. Best for legations to remain in Brussels, especially those entrusted with protection of interests of belligerent pow ers. Austria-Hungary has declared war on Russia. Reply to President Wilson's message: France appreciates interest of United States in the destiny of France; message proof of mutual love of peace; France not the aggressor, notwithstanding numerous provocacations. Denmark has mined her waters and is mobilizing. Austria having declared war against Russia, United States to take charge of Austrian affairs. Need increase in Embassy staff. Minister directed to use own judgment about remaining in Brussels. British Army of Occupation renders Egypt liable to attack by enemies of Great Britain; consequently, Egypt claims protection of Great Britain. President Wilson's message presented to Emperor. Reply: Will accept with thanks mediation when honor of flag will permit and when objects of war are attained. Interview with Sir Edward Grey: England at war only to preserve her place among the nations; will welcome mediation when favorable opportunity arrives; appreciates offer. President's message delivered to King, who expressed his appreciation and the hope that his offer of mediation might later be accepted. Ottoman Empire to observe strict neutrality. Mobilization for defense only. 1 47 48 48 48 49 49 49 2432-28-III PART I Continued THE OFFER OF GOOD OFFICES (AUGUST 4-5)-THE SPREAD OF HOSTILITIES Subject Had received from The Hague a telegram, purporting to be from German Government, proposing that Belgium allow Germany to hold Liége as base of operations against France, and requiring Belgium to detach herself from France, offering in return protection from further attack from Germany. The proposal an insult and a repetition of the ultimatum already refused by Belgium. Had refused to present this to Belgian Government, but confidentially allowed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to read it. Belgian Government would reject Germany's proposal, if presented. Norwegian and Swedish Governments mutually agree to remain neutral and friendly toward each other. Austria-Hungary declared war against Montenegro on August 9. Germany's proposal to Belgium authentic. Answer was indignant refusal. dor in AustriaHungary (telegram). Note from President Cabrera ten 53 dering good offices. PART I THE OFFER OF GOOD OFFICES (AUGUST 4-5)-THE SPREAD OF HOSTILITIES Continued Subject Emperor requests President Wil- Great Britain has declared war Notification that war exists be- Forwards copy of Official Gazette British Admiralty has taken over |