Then came Sir Edward Grey’s speech in parliament on August 3, when it was fully realized that Germany and England were on the verge of war.  What followed was related in the House of Commons next day.

SCENES IN PARLIAMENT

Germany’s reply to the speech by Sir Edward Grey, the British foreign secretary, indicating the attitude of Great Britain in regard to the contemplated violation of Belgian territory by Germany was a second ultimatum from Berlin to Brussels, saying Germany was prepared to carry through her plans by force of arms if necessary.

The British government was officially informed by Belgium on August that German troops had invaded Belgium and that the violation of that country’s neutrality, which the British, foreign secretary had intimated must be followed by action on the part of the British, had become an accomplished fact.

Definite announcement of Great Britain’s intentions under these circumstances was expected in the house of commons that afternoon.

TELEGRAM SENT TO BERLIN

On the assembly of the house the premier, Mr. Asquith, said that a telegram had been sent early in the morning to Sir Edward Goschen, British ambassador in Berlin, to the following effect: 

“The king of the Belgians has appealed to His Britannic Majesty’s government for diplomatic intervention on behalf of Belgium.  The British government is also informed that the German government has delivered to the Belgian government a note proposing friendly neutrality pending a free passage of German troops through Belgium and promising to maintain the independence and integrity of the kingdom and its possessions on the conclusion of peace, threatening in case of refusal to treat Belgium as an enemy.”  Sir Edward Grey, the British foreign secretary, had requested an answer within twelve hours.

Premier Asquith then read a telegram from the German foreign minister, which the German ambassador in London had sent to Sir Edward Grey.  It was as follows: 

“Please dispel any distrust that may subsist on the part of the British government with regard to our intentions by repeating most positively the formal assurance that even in case of armed conflict with Belgium, Germany will under no pretensions whatever annex Belgian territory.”

The reading of this telegram was greeted with derisive laughter by the members of the house.

Premier Asquith continued: 

  “We understand that Belgium categorically refused to
  assent to a flagrant violation of the law of nations.

“His majesty’s government was bound to protest against this violation of a treaty to which Germany was a party in common with England and must request an assurance that the demand made upon Belgium by Germany be not proceeded with and that Belgium’s neutrality be respected by Germany and we have asked for an immediate reply.

  “We received this morning from our minister in Brussels
  the following telegram: