Among other measures which have been taken has been the registration, by order of the Secretary of State made under the Defense of the Realm act, of all persons keeping carrier or homing pigeons.  The importation and the conveyance by rail of these birds have been prohibited, and, with the valuable assistance of the National Homing Union, a system of registration has been extended to the whole of the United Kingdom, and measures have been taken which, it is believed, will be effective to prevent the possibility of any birds being kept in this country which would fly to the Continent.

Another matter which has engaged the closest attention of the police has been the possibility of conspiracies to commit outrage.  No trace whatever has been discovered of any such conspiracy, and no outrage of any sort has yet been committed by any alien—­not even telegraph wires having been maliciously cut since the beginning of the war.  Nevertheless it has been necessary to bear in mind the possibility that such a secret conspiracy might exist or might be formed among alien enemies resident in this country.  Accordingly, immediately after the commencement of hostilities, rigorous search was made by the police in the houses of Germans and Austrians, in their clubs, and in all places where they were likely to resort.  In a few cases individuals were found who were in possession of a gun or pistol which they had not declared, and in one or two cases there were small collections of ancient firearms, and in such cases the offenders have been prosecuted and punished; but no store of effective arms—­still less any bombs or instruments of destruction—­have so far been discovered.  From the beginning any Germans or Austrians who were deemed by the police to be likely to be dangerous were apprehended, handed over to the military authorities, and detained as prisoners of war; and, as soon as the military authorities desired it, general action was taken to arrest and hand over to military custody Germans of military age, subject to exceptions which have properly been made on grounds of policy.  About 9,000 Germans and Austrians of military age have been so arrested and are held as prisoners of war in detention camps, and among them are included those who are regarded by the police as likely in any possible event to take part in any outbreak of disorder or incendiarism.

Chronology of the War

Showing Progress of Campaigns on All Fronts and Collateral Events to and Including Oct. 15, 1914.[A]

CAMPAIGN IN EASTERN EUROPE

July 21—­Situation threatens European war; fear that Russia will aid
Servia.

July 23—­Austria sends ultimatum to Servia; Austrian Army Corps mobilized at Temesvar, and fleet gathers at Semlin.

July 24—­Russia will ask Austria to extend time for Servia’s reply to ultimatum; Austria will brook no interference.

July 25—­Servia’s reply to ultimatum unsatisfactory; Russian Army mobilizing.