Aug. 1—­Government informs Germany of neutrality and says obligations under Triple Alliance apply only to defensive war.

Aug. 2—­Cabinet ratifies declaration of neutrality; Government orders all Bourses closed.

Aug. 3—­Fleet assembles in Far East; neutrality formally proclaimed, but reserves are called to colors.

Aug. 5—­Report of German ultimatum to Italy; war may be declared on Austria.

Aug. 6—­Ambassador to London justifies attitude of neutrality.

Aug. 7—­Germany and Austria bring strong pressure to bear to obtain aid.

Aug. 8—­Germany and Austria threaten war; King said to be indignant at reported offer of colonies in return for aid.

Aug. 13—­Alpine passes and northern frontier guarded.

Aug. 14—­Government aroused by report that Turkey has purchased two
German cruisers.

Aug. 16—­Strong feeling in favor of England.

Aug. 19—­Refugees from Germany complain, of outrages.

Aug. 21—­Prefects vote against joining with Germany.

Aug. 24—­German Ambassador’s efforts fail to persuade press to advocate intervention; Allies are pressing Italy.

Aug. 31—­Romans leave cards at Belgian Legation to show sympathy over
Louvain.

Sept. 7—­Socialist Reform Party endorses [Transcriber:  original ‘indorses’] neutrality.

Sept. 13—­Populace of Rome cheers for France.

Sept. 14—­Radicals favor war; anti-Austrian demonstration in Rome.

Sept. 16—­Rioters in large cities demand aid to Allies.

Sept, 20—­More than 500,000 men are under arms.

Sept. 21—­Damage to Rheims Cathedral arouses sympathy for France;
British Embassy in Rome cheered.

Sept. 22—­Thousands offer to enlist in British Army.

Sept. 30—­Gabriele d’Annunzio urges country to join Allies.

JAPAN.

July 30—­Alliance with England may involve Government in war in case of attack on British warships.

Aug. 1—­Navy prepared.

Aug. 2—­Emperor summons Council and asks War Minister to report on condition of army; warships get ready.

Aug. 4—­Proclamation prepares people for war on behalf of England.

Aug. 5—­Count Okuma says Japan would have liked to join the United
States in mediation offer.

Aug. 7—­Warships off Tsing-tau; reserve army officers told to be ready; navy squadrons organized.

Aug. 11—­Army aboard transports.

Aug. 12—­Telegraphic communication with Europe interrupted; Ambassador confers with Russian Foreign Minister.

Aug. 17—­Official announcement in London that Japanese operations will be confined to China Sea and to protection; ultimatum to Germany made with concurrence of England.

Aug. 18—­Count Okuma emphasizes war limitation and England reassures the United States; ultimatum to Germany was not inspired by England.