[Loud cheers.]
* * * * *
GREAT BRITAIN'S ULTIMATUM TO GERMANY.
Prime Minister Asquith Explains Its Nature in House of Commons, Aug. 4,
1914.
_Mr. Bonar Law_--I wish to ask the Prime Minister whether he has any
statement that he can now make to the House?
_The Prime Minister_ (_Mr. Asquith_)--In conformity with the statement
of policy made here by my right honorable friend the Foreign Secretary
yesterday, a telegram was early this morning sent by him to our
Ambassador in Berlin. It was to this effect:
The King of the Belgians has made an appeal to his Majesty the King
for diplomatic intervention on behalf of Belgium. His Majesty's
Government are also informed that the German Government have
delivered to the Belgian Government a note proposing friendly
neutrality entailing free passage through Belgian territory, and
promising to maintain the independence and integrity of the kingdom
and its possessions at the conclusion of peace, threatening in case
of refusal to treat Belgium as an enemy. An answer was requested
within twelve hours. We also understand that Belgium has
categorically refused this as a flagrant violation of the law of
nations.
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