Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-08-04
BELGIUM IS SUPPORTED BY
ENGLAND IN DEFIANCE OF
ULT|MATUM FROM GERMANY
Kaisers Forces Give IL Hours for Reply to Re-
quest for Free Passage of German Troops
Belgium Declares Will "Repel Aggression by
All Means Possible

lie opinion in the British Isles would
rally TO France"
This part Of the speech was received
with loud cheering.
DR.. Won Kuhlmann, counsellor of the
German embassy here, today issued
remarkable appeal for the neutrality
of England In the European turmoil.
It said:
The maintenance of British neu-
trality would in no way injure France.
On the contrary it might be argued
that by remaining neutral Great Brit
ain could give France exactly as much
strategic assistance and good deal
more effective diplomatic help, as ac-
cording to all reliable information
there is no intention of sending Brit
fish troops to the continent and as
few British divisions considering the
enormous numbers engaged could
hardly alter the balance of power.
All England can do for France Is
to protect her northern coast from in
vasion and prevent the neutral ports
of Belgium and Holland being used as
bases for armed aggression against
France.
Germany would be disposed to give
an undertaking that she would not at
tack France by sea in the north or
make any war-like use of the seacoast
of Belgium and Holland if it appeared
that Great Britain would make this
undertaking condition OF her neu-
trality for the time being.
"Tus England. without going to war
4 i IRA L
imum of assistance she could give her
by going to war;
Explain Interference
The German embassy here today is
sued the following explanation Of the
recent interference with British ships
by German war vessels:
This action was merely a police
measure and there was no intention on
the part Of Germany of interfering
with the property of the vessels. The
Castro was ordered to Hamburg be-
cause it was undesirable that any
commercial vessel be In the Kiel ca
nal. while in the case OF the Saxon
the German government had purchas-
ed the coal on board from the firm to
which it was consigned and had al
tered the destination of the vessel to
Hamburg"
Radical Resolution
A small group of Radicals during the
period of adjournment of the House
OF Commons met and passed a resolu-
tim that after hearing Sir Edward
Groy's speech they were of the opinion
that there was not sufficient reason in
the present circumstances for Great
Britain intervening in the war, and
urging the government to continue
negotiations with Germany with a view
to maintaining British neutrality.
When the House re.assembled, the
foregn secretary made his statement
with respect to Belgium. These mem
beers then protested that the secretary
mad not made out a case for war.
Tho Laborites Joined in the protest.
declaring that it was a war made by
the diplomatists. j. Keir Hardie asked
what action would be taken to allevi-
ate the suffering OF those who would
De hard pressed by the war. He said
ne would do all he could to arouse the
working men against the proposals Of
the government.
The chancellor of the Excheouer.
Lloyd George. announced that the gov
eminent had made arrangements for
war risks for ships cargoes.
The cabinet held a session during the
recess and were escorted to and from
the House by cheering crowds.