Before these decisive steps of July 30-August 1, and while Sir Edward Grey was still engaged in efforts of mediation, Germany made overtures to England, with the object of securing England’s neutrality in the event of a war between Germany and France.  On July 29 Germany offered, as the price of English neutrality, to give assurances that, if victorious, she would make no territorial acquisitions at the expense of France; but refused to give a similar assurance respecting French colonies, or to promise to respect Belgian neutrality.[48] These proposals were refused by England on July 30.[49] On August 1 the German Ambassador unofficially asked England to remain neutral on condition that Germany would not violate Belgian neutrality.  Sir Edward Grey replied that England’s hands were still free, and that he could not promise neutrality on that condition alone.[50]

Meanwhile, on July 30, Sir Edward Grey was told by France that she would not remain neutral in a war between Germany and Russia.[51] On July 31 the English Cabinet, being asked by France to declare definitely on her side, replied that England could give no pledge at present.[52] On the same day England asked France and Germany to engage to respect Belgian neutrality.  France assented, Germany evaded giving a reply.[53] But, on August 2, German forces entered the neutral state of Luxemburg; and England promised to defend the French coasts and shipping if attacked by the German fleet in the Channel, or through the North Sea.[54] On August 4 the King of the Belgians telegraphed to King George announcing that Germany had demanded passage for her troops through Belgian territory, and appealing to England for help.[55] On the same day, August 4, England sent an ultimatum to Germany asking for assurance, before midnight, that Germany would respect Belgian neutrality.[56] This demand was taken at Berlin as equivalent to a declaration of war by England against Germany.

DIARY OF THE EVENTS LEADING TO THE WAR

June 28.  Assassination at Sarajevo of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the Duchess of Hohenberg.

July 6.  The Kaiser leaves Kiel for a cruise in Northern waters.

July 9.  Results of Austro-Hungarian investigation into the Servian crime laid before the Emperor.

July 13, 14.  Serious disclosures about condition of French army.

July 13, 14, 15, 16.  Heavy selling of Canadian Pacific Railway Shares, especially by Berlin operators.

July 16.  Count Tisza, the Hungarian Premier, speaking in the Hungarian Chamber, describes war as a sad ultima ratio, ’but every state and nation must be able and willing to make war if it wishes to exist as a state and a nation.’

The Times leading article ‘Austria-Hungary and Servia’ is commented on in Berlin as an ‘English warning to Servia.’

July 19.  The King summons a conference to discuss the Home-Rule problem.