Cresco plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1913-1945, 1914-08-07
DESIRES BRITAIN
TO REMAIN NEUTRAL
Germany Wants John Bull to
Hold A|o0f From Con-
tinenta| War.

London, Aug. 4.-Great Britain mas
modified her forces and awaits
events. She is not a belligerent pow.
er, nor is she neutral one.
The government has given France
assurance that the British fleet will
not permit the German fleet to attack
the French coast. 1t has not yet
pledged itself to contribute an army
to the continental war.
The British government regards
with the deepest distrust Germany's
violation of Belgium's neutrality, but
makes no declaration as to whether it
considers that measure provocation
for war.
This procurement of government
attitude-the result of two days al.
most continuous deliberations was
made to the house of commons by Sir
Edward Grey, secretary of state for
foreign affairs. Therefore the trying
hour of suspense for the British peo-
pie is prolonged indefinitely.
Germany Urging Diplomacy.
Meanwhile the German embassy in
London is exerting every effort of d.
plomacy to induce Great Britain to
hold aloof from the conflict and to
bring public opinion to Germany's
side. The counsellor of the German
embassy issued strong appeal for
the neutrality of Great Britain, assert
ing that Germany would agree to keep
her fleet from attacking the northern
and western coasts of France If Eng
land would pledge neutrality, anG
argued that England would gain more
in the end by standing outside the
European war and using her influence
as mediator when the moment was
ripe.
Referring to this suggestion the
British foreign secretary said:
II only heard that shortly before l
came to the house."
Grey Becomes Emphatic.
He raised his voice and raped the
table before him sharply, declaring:
But that is far too narrow an en-
gagement."
4 Sir Edward Grey dispelled the shad-
ows of doubt which flickered over the
triple entente in the minds of Liber-
ais by disposing some milestones in
the history of the rapproachment, re-
vealing it as essentially national one
with France, without definite obliga.
lions.
Finally, on the one tremendous vi
tai question: question upon the an.
swer of which the British empire and
the whole world are hanging-whether
the government considers that Ger.
many's policy compels Great Britain
to wage war, the foreign secretary
left an expression of doubt.
Conveys Hint to Germany.
That doubt may reflect the mind Of
q cabinet not wholly unanimous and
the Interpretation drawn by many is
that Sir Edward Grey's speech to Ger.
many was hint that if she will keep
her soldiers off Belgian soil and her
battleships away from the coast OF
France that will be the price of Great
Britain's armed neutrality.
The cabinet held session during
the recess and was escorted to and
from the house by cheering crowds.
The first outbreak of patriotic en-
thusiasm since the possibility arose
of England becoming involved in the
war occurred in London. Crowds of
Englishmen and Frenchmen marched
through the streets in the West End
waving flags and singing the national
anthem. When they reached Buch.
ingham palace, in response to a great
cutburst of cheering, the king, queen
and Princess Mary appeared on the
balcony and bowed acknowledgment
of the demonstration of loyalty.