But that is over, as far as the peace of Europe is concerned.  We are now face to face with a situation and all the consequences which it may yet have to unfold.  We believe we shall have the support of the House at large in proceeding to whatever the consequences may be and whatever measures may be forced upon us by the development of facts or action taken by others.  I believe the country, so quickly has the situation been forced upon it, has not had time to realize the issue.  It perhaps is still thinking of the quarrel between Austria and Servia, and not the complications of this matter which have grown out of the quarrel between Austria and Servia.  Russia and Germany we know are at war.  We do not yet know officially that Austria, the ally whom Germany is to support, is yet at war with Russia.  We know that a good deal has been happening on the French frontier.  We do not know that the German Ambassador has left Paris.

The situation has developed so rapidly that technically, as regards the condition of the war, it is most difficult to describe what has actually happened.  I wanted to bring out the underlying issues which would affect our own conduct, and our own policy, and to put them clearly.  I have now put the vital facts before the House, and if, as seems not improbable, we are forced, and rapidly forced, to take our stand upon those issues, then I believe, when the country realizes what is at stake, what the real issues are, the magnitude of the impending dangers in the west of Europe, which I have endeavored to describe to the House, we shall be supported throughout, not only by the House of Commons, but by the determination, the resolution, the courage, and the endurance of the whole country.

* * * * *

GERMANY AND BELGIUM.

Further Statement by Sir Edward Grey in House of Commons, Aug. 3, 1914.

I want to give the House some information which I have received, and which was not in my possession when I made my statement this afternoon.  It is information I have received from the Belgian Legation in London, and is to the following effect: 

Germany sent yesterday evening at 7 o’clock a note proposing to Belgium friendly neutrality, covering free passage on Belgian territory, and promising maintenance of independence of the kingdom and possession at the conclusion of peace, and threatening, in case of refusal, to treat Belgium as an enemy.  A time limit of twelve hours was fixed for the reply.  The Belgians have answered that an attack on their neutrality would be a flagrant violation of the rights of nations, and that to accept the German proposal would be to sacrifice the honor of a nation.  Conscious of its duty, Belgium is firmly resolved to repel aggression by all possible means.

Of course, I can only say that the Government are prepared to take into grave consideration the information which they have received.  I make no further comment upon it.