31 we demanded that Russia demobilize, this being the only measure which could save the peace of Europe. [Hearty approval.] The Imperial Ambassador received, furthermore, the order to declare to the Russian Government that in case they did not comply with our demands they should consider that a state of war exists.

The Imperial Ambassador performed this mission.  Up till the present we have not learned Russia’s answer to this demand. ["Hear, hear!”] Telegraphic reports concerning it have not yet reached us, although the wire still transmits less important messages. ["Hear, hear!”] Therefore, on Aug. 1, at 5 o’clock, when the appointed period of grace was long past, the Kaiser considered it necessary to mobilize.

At the same time we had to make sure of the position France would take.  To our direct question whether in case of a German-Russian war she would remain neutral, France answered that she would do what she had to do in her own interests. [Laughter.] That was an evasive if not a negative answer to our question.

Declares France Began War.

In spite of this the Kaiser gave the order that the French border should be respected.  The command was strictly enforced, with a single exception.  France, which mobilized simultaneously with us, declared that she would respect a zone of ten kilometers from the border. ["Hear, hear!”] And what happened in reality?  There were bomb-throwing flyers, cavalry patrols, invading companies in the Reichsland, Alsace-Lorraine. ["Unheard of!”] Thereby France, although the condition of war had not yet been declared, had attacked our territory.

Concerning the French complaints in regard to violations of the border, I have received from the Chief of the General Staff the following report:  Only one offense has been committed.  Contrary to an emphatic order a patrol of the Fourteenth Army Corps, led by an officer, crossed the border on Aug. 2.  They apparently were killed.  Only one man returned.  However, long before the crossing of the border French flyers were dropping bombs in Southern Germany, and at Schluchtpass the French troops had attacked our border troops.

     Until the present our troops have confined their activity to the
     protection of our borders.  They are now on the defense, and
     necessity recognizes no law. ["Very true!”]

Our troops have occupied Luxemburg, and perhaps have also found it necessary to enter Belgian territory. [Hearty applause.] This is contrary to international law.  The French Government has declared in Brussels they will respect the neutrality of Belgium as long as she respects the opponent.  We knew, however, that France was ready to invade Belgium. ["Hear, hear!”] France could wait; we, however, could not, because a French invasion in our lower Rhein flank would have proved fatal.

So we were forced to disregard the