Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1914-08-03
ROME, AUG. 3-ITALY TODAY
FORMALLY PROCLAIMED HER
NEUTRALITY IN THE EUROPEAN
CONFLICT.

~
territory by Germany during frontier
raids by German Russian and French
troops, clashes between outposts, the
bombardment of Russian Baltic port
of merchant ships by Russia and Ger
many constituted the striking features
today of the war on which virtually the
whole continent of Europe has started
The position to be taken by the
British empire remains still to be de-
fined, but it was feared that Germany )
seizure of Belgian territory would be
deciding factor which would lead Brit
ons to take the sword in hand, as un-
der the treaty of London Of 1889 Great
Britain stands pledged to maintain
Belgium's neutrality.
Uniting Opposition Parties.
Evidences were not lacking Of the
grave view Of the situation taken by
all classes in the United Kingdom. The
leaders of the opposition parties were
called into council by the cabinet and
lit was reported the cancellation of
Field Marshall Earl Kitchener's return
to Egypt was prelude to his appoint
ment as minister OF war.
It was asserted in authorative quar-
ters that due warning had been given
to Germany yesterday of the intention
of the British navy to take instant ac-
in,
set foot on Belgian soil. In spite of this
and Of the prompt refusal by the Bel
gian government to accept the agree
ment offered by Germany as the price
of the violation of Belgian neutrality.
German forces penetrated the little
buffer state at two points on their way
to the French frontier.
Germans Excuse Act.
The German point of view in regard
to the situation thus brought about
was explained at the German embassy
as follows:
"The German general staff has been
reliably informed that French troops
are assembling in great numbers on the
! Belgian frontier preparatory to cross
! ing.
| "The German government therefore
| informs the Belgian government that II
| for strategical reasons German troops
| were compelled to traverse Belgian
| territory, this move should not be con-
| sidered in any way warlike measure
| directed against Belgium, but only as
| a necessity imposed by French initi-
| ative, and that if Belgium offers no
armed resistance to Sucn movement
| Germany will guarantee the Belgian
government the maintainance of Its
territorial integrity and sovereignty
| and the fullest compensation for any
| inconvenience caused by the passage OF
| the imperial troops"
| The German embassy plso stated
that it was quite certain no questions
would arise in connection With German
| troops crossing the Durcn frontier or
| in any way interfering with that neu
| trality.
For Coalition Government.
| The Evening Standard says there is
every probability of the formation of
! coalition government on the British
| Isles to tide over the present crisis.
| Andrew Bonar Law, the marquis ot
Landsdowne and Arthur J Balfour
| three opposition leaders, Were in con-
sultation with cabinet ministers today.
| Sir Edward Grey, British foreign
secretary, stated in the house of COM
| mons today, that the house was free to
decide what the British attitude in the
present Europeon conflict should be.
| Sir Edward Grey announced that a
! telegram from the king of Belgians
made supreme appeal to Great Brit
ain to safeguard the integrity of Bel
gium.
To Aid France.
Sir Edward Grey told the commons
that he had given France assurance
that if the German fleet came into The
English channel or in the North sea
to undertake. hostile operations against
the French coast or shipping the Brit
| ish fleet would give all the protection
limits power"
Sir Edward added that Great Britain
had not committed herself to anything
but diplomatic support.
| To Mobilize Army.
1t was officially stated here today
that the British army would mobilize
| tomorrow.
Prepared For EventuaIities.
Toward the close Of his Speech Sil
Edward said:
1--WE must be prepared and we are
| prepared to face the consequences OF
using all our strength at epy moment
we know not how soon, in order to de-
fend ourselves"