(35702) No. 576.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir F. Bertie.
Foreign Office, August 4, 1914.
Tel. (No. 312.)
D. 10:30 A.M.
It is most urgent that French and Russian Governments should express to Sweden their willingness to join His Majesty's Government in their guarantee to respect the integrity and independence of Sweden now and hereafter if the latter remains neutral during the war.
It should be added that if Sweden takes active sides with Germany we shall be freed from all obligations towards her.
(Repeated to Stockholm (No. 13) adding: "You should make such declarations on behalf of His Majesty's Government.")
(Sent also to St. Petersburg No. 440.)
(35904) No. 577.
Communicated by German Embassy, August 4, 1914.
Berlin, August 3, 1914 (11:50 P.M.).
Translation.
To the Imperial (German) Ambassador,
Since France has, since the 1st August, made repeated military attacks on Imperial territory,
Germany is now in a state of war with France. Please inform the Government to which you are
accredited.
BETHMANN HOLLWEG.
(35752) No. 578.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir F. Bertie.
(a.)
Foreign Office, August 4, 1914.
Tel. (No. 318.)
D. 10:30 A.M.
His Majesty's Government are informing the Norwegian, Netherlands and Belgian Governments that if pressure is applied to them by Germany to induce them to depart from neutrality, His Majesty's Government expect that they will resist by any means in their power, and His Majesty's Government will support them in offering such resistance, and that His Majesty's Government in this event are prepared to join Russia and France, if desired, in offering to the Norwegian, Netherlands, and Belgian Governments at once common action for the purpose of resisting use of force by Germany against them, and a guarantee to maintain their independence and integrity in future years.
(Sent also to St. Petersburg No. 441.)
(b.)
Foreign Office, August 4, 1914.
Tel. (314.)
D. 10:30 A.M.
My immediately preceding telegram of to-day's date.
You should ask Government to which you are accredited to make similar declarations to Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium.
(Sent also to St. Petersburg No. 442.)
Cf. No. 593.
(35721) No. 579.
Sir R. Rodd to Sir Edward Grey.
Rome, August 3, 1914.
D. August 3, 9:5 P.M.
Tel. (No. 160.)
R. August 4, 10:35 A.M.
Having reason to believe that German Ambassador was endeavouring to induce Italy to modify her decision on the ground that France had violated the German frontier without a declaration of war, I saw Minister for Foreign Affairs on 2nd August. He admitted that some such plea had been raised, but treated it as absurd. At such moments there would always be irregularities on frontier. It was perfectly clear on which side the provocation had been, and it was now clear that Austria had deliberately intended to redress the Balkan situation, with Germany behind her. Italy would firmly abide by her decision, and he was unable to foresee now any combination of circumstances which would induce her to alter it. Calling out certain Italian classes was only a measure of precaution, and more yet might be called, partly for an economic reason, as masses of Italian workmen were returning from France and Germany, who needed work, and they could take the place of men with the colours. Events had made it clear to him that Italy's views and interests happened most closely to coincide with those of England, and he desired to keep in constant contact in the hope that it might be of service in the coming time. He had just heard that Turkey had ordered a general mobilisation, in which he saw the hand of Germany, who hoped for an attack on the Eastern provinces of Russia.
(Repeated to Paris and St. Petersburg.)
Cf. Nos. 620 and 640.
(35797) No. 580.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir F. Villiers.
Foreign Office, August 4, 1914.
Tel. (No. 14.)
D. 10:45 A.M.
You should inform Government to which you are accredited that if pressure is applied to them by Germany to induce them to depart from neutrality, His Majesty's Government expect that they will resist by any means in their power, and that His Majesty's Government will support them in offering such resistance, and that His Majesty's Government in this event are prepared to join Russia and France, if desired, in offering to the Government to which you are accredited at once an alliance(1) for the purpose of resisting use of force by Germany against them, and a guarantee to maintain their independence and integrity in future years.
(Sent also to Christiania No. 25, and The Hague No. 2.)
Published in BB No. 155.
Cf. No. 625.
(1) Corrected to "common action" by telegram, 12:30 P.M.
(36189) No. 581.
Communicated by the Belgian Minister (August 4, 11 A.M.)
(Tél.)
Bruxelles, le 4 août 1914.
Ministre d'Allemagne notifie qu'à la suite de notre réponse, Allemagne exécutera au besoin par les armes les mesures de sécurit‚ annoncée. Aucune décision n'a été prise en ce qui concerne appel à la prestation de garantie.
DAVIGNON.
MINUTE.
The German Minister notifies (Belgian Government) that in consequence of our reply, Germany
will put into force, if necessary by arms, the measures of security already announced. (These measures
refer to statement by Germany that they are undertaken only as a necessity imposed by French
initiative.) No decision has been taken (by Belgian Government) in regard to an appeal (to the Powers) for acting on the guarantee. A. N.
(35717) No. 582.
Sir M. de Bunsen to Sir Edward Grey.
Vienna, August 3, 1914.
D. August 3, 3:50 P.M.
Tel. (No. 152.)
R. August 4, 11 A .M.
Notwithstanding news of violation of French territory at two points by German troops, French Ambassador has not heard officially that France is at war with Germany. He does not know whether Franco-German war necessarily entails a state of war between France and Austria. He fears, however, that circumstances may compel him to leave Vienna at any moment, and he proposes in that case to ask United States Ambassador to take charge of French Embassy. I have hesitated as yet to ask United States Ambassador to do us this service in case of need, as I feel in doubt as to whether possible contingency of war between England and Germany would cause me to be immediately withdrawn from Vienna, and I do not wish to give impression that this Embassy may be shortly withdrawn.
Should my withdrawal become necessary after United States Embassy have taken charge of French Embassy, I would suggest that this would not prevent my asking United States Ambassador to help us in the same way. Otherwise I could only ask representative of a smaller Power, e.g., Netherlands, Belgium, or Sweden, whose representatives are all men of considerable standing here. Russian Embassy will be left in charge of Spanish Ambassador.
Cf. No. 600.
(35734) No. 583.
Mr. Beaumont to Sir Edward Grey.
Constantinople, August 3, 1914.
D. August 3, 9:30 P.M.
Tel. (No. 474.)
R. August 4, 11 A.M.
Following from Military Attaché for D.M.O.:
"Army mobilisation proclaimed from to-day and some movement of troops has taken place to guard Bosphorus. Third division has moved from Scutari towards Riva another detachment of troops to Kilios while garrison of the Bosphorus defences has been strengthened. In interview with Minister of War this afternoon he told me that mobilisation only aimed at for the present retaining with the colours sufficient men to complete army corps round capital to full war strength and (?) remainder to partial war strength.
"Measures taken were purely precautionary in view of developments which might leave Ottoman army at a disadvantage owing to comparatively long period required for its mobilisation.
"He gave me to infer that there was no idea of holding Russian Caucasus army corps and that if latter were withdrawn to Europe Turks would then be enabled to concentrate in Thrace which might be desirable from their point of view. "
(35733) No. 584.
Sir F. Villiers to Sir Edward Grey.
Brussels, August 4, 1914.
D. 9:40 A.M.
Tel. (No. 18.)
R. 11:20 A.M.
German Minister has this morning addressed note to Minister for Foreign Affairs stating that, as Belgian Government have declined the well-intentioned proposals submitted to them by the Imperial Government, the latter will, deeply to their regret, be compelled to carry out, if necessary by force of arms, the measures considered indispensable in view of the French menaces.
Published in BB No. 154.
(35585) No. 585.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir E. Goschen.
Foreign Office, August 4, 1914.
Tel. (No. 268.)
D. 11:30 A.M.
I continue to receive numerous complaints from British firms as to the detention of their ships at Hamburg, Cuxhaven and other German ports. This action on the part of the German authorities is totally unjustifiable. It is in direct contravention of international law and of the assurances given to Your Excellency by the Imperial Chancellor. You should demand the immediate release of all British ships if such release has not yet been given.
Published in BB No. 156.
See DD No. 824.
(35745) No. 586.
Mr. Beaumont to Sir Edward Grey.
Constantinople, August 3, 1914.
Tel. (No. 473.)
R. August 4, 11:40 A.M.
St. Petersburg telegram No. 195. (1)
Russian Ambassador had a long conversation last night with Grand Vizier. He pointed out the folly of Turkish mobilisation and of the idea, evidently inspired by Triple Alliance Ambassadors, that Russia might meditate a coup to seize the Straits. Russian Ambassador pointed out that this would require an army of at least 200,000 men, which Russia could not possibly afford at the present juncture for such an adventure. Grand Vizier then said that public opinion required that something should be done when so many neutral countries were also mobilising, that they intended to have on foot in Thrace an army of 150,000 men to be prepared for all eventualities, and that they must have in view the possibility of recovering territory lost to Bulgaria. While very irritated at the continuance here of German military mission with executive commands, Russian Ambassador did not think Russian Government will make any protest.
I cannot believe that apparent desire of Grand Vizier and Minister of the Interior to be on good terms with Greece is simply a comedy. In view, however, of the evident wish of Germany and Austria-Hungary to have Turkey on their side, it would be well to point out to Turkish Ambassador risk which Turkey will run by throwing in her lot with Triple Alliance when, in spite of delusive promises, she risks loss of Armenian vilayets.
(Repeated to St. Petersburg, Sophia and Athens.)
Cf. No. 605.
(1) No. 459.
(35748) No. 587.
Communicated by German Ambassador, August 4, 12 noon.
Herr von Jagow to Prince Lichnowsky.
Tel. (No. 226.) En clair.
Berlin, August 4, 1914.
Please dispel any mistrust that may subsist on the part of the British Government with regard to our intentions, by repeating mot positively formal assurance that, even in the case of armed conflict with Belgium, Germany will, under no pretence whatever, annex Belgian territory. Sincerity of this declaration is borne out by fact that we solemnly pledged our word to Holland strictly to respect her neutrality. It is obvious that we could not profitably annex Belgian territory without making at the same time territorial acquisitions at expense of Holland. Please impress upon Sir E. Grey that German army could not be exposed to French attack across Belgium, which was planned according to absolutely unimpeachable information. Germany had consequently to disregard Belgian neutrality, it being for her a question of life or death to prevent French advance.
Published in BB No. 157.
See DD No 810. This telegram was apparently sent in English.
(35787) No. 588.
Sir F. Bertie to Sir Edward Grey.
Paris, August 4, 1914.
D. 11 A.M.
Tel. (No. 131.)
R. 12 P.M.
Military attaché wishes me to say that he consider it most important that source of information in my telegram No. 126 of yesterday(1) should not be disclosed.
(1) No. 556(a).
(35517) No. 589.
Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Beaumont.
Foreign Office, August 4, 1914.
Tel. (No. 334.)
D. 12:15 P.M.
Your telegram No. 468 of 3rd August.(1)
You should earnestly impress upon Grand Vizier that Turkish interest would best be served by maintaining a strict neutrality. If Turkey were to be drawn into the war as an ally of Germany and Austria the gravest consequences would follow.
You must, however, be careful to give to your communication the character of good advice from Turkey's oldest friend, and avoid anything to give rise to an impression that we are threatening.
(1) No. 522.
(35645) No. 590.
Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Carnegie.
Foreign Office, August 4, 1914.
Tel. (No. 41.)
D. 12:20 P.M.
Your telegram No. 27.(1)
Question of position of Portugal in event of Great Britain being at war is enjoying earnest attention of His Majesty's Government. In the meantime, you should urge Minister for Foreign Affairs to defer issuing any declaration of neutrality.
(1) No. 565. Cf. also No. 610.
(35735) No. 591.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir R. Rodd.
Foreign Office, August 4, 1914
Tel. (No. 252.)
D. 1 P.M.
In response to Italian request, I agree to Mr. Lamb remaining at Durazzo.(1)
I do not suppose we shall declare war upon Austria unless some direct provocation is given, or she declares war upon us, but if Mr. Lamb or any British officers or men left in Albania are exposed to an Austrian attack, we must ask for the good offices and influence of the Italian Government on their behalf.
(Repeated to Durazzo No. 125.)
(1) No. 574.
(35813) No. 592.
Mr. Erskine to Sir Edward Grey.
Athens, August 2, 19l4.
D. August 2, 11:30 A.M.
Tel. (No. 186.)
R. August 4, 2 P.M.
Servian Government have asked Greek Government to co-operate in police measures against threatened action of Bulgarian bands in Servian Macedonia.
Greek Government are considering whether they can do so without infringement of neutrality.
Bulgarian Minister here has also suggested similar co-operation between Greek and Bulgarian police against Bulgarian bands. This is also under consideration. Addressed to Foreign Office.
(Repeated to Sofia, Bucharest and Nish.)
(35799) No. 593.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir F. Bertie.
Foreign Office, August 4, 1914.
Tel. (No. 315.)
D. 2 P.M.
Suspend action on my telegram No. 314 of 4th August.(1)
If action already taken, inform Government to which you are accredited that you have since received instructions cancelling previous communication pending further instructions.
(Sent also to St. Petersburg No. 444, Christiania No. 26, The Hague No. 24, and Brussels No. 15, mutatis mutandis.)
(1) No. 578 (b).
(35798) No. 594.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir E. Goschen.
Foreign Office, August 4, 1914.
Tel (No. 270.)
D. 2 P.M.
We hear that Germany has addressed note to Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs stating that German Government will be compelled to carry out, if necessary by force of arms, the measures considered indispensable.
We are also informed that Belgian territory has been violated at Gemmenich.
In these circumstances, and in view of the fact that Germany declined to give the same assurance respecting Belgium as France gave last week in reply to our request made simultaneously at Berlin and Paris, we must repeat that request, and ask that a satisfactory reply to it and to my telegram No. 266 of this morning(1) be received here by 12 o'clock to-night. If not, you are instructed to ask for your passports and to say that His Majesty's Government felt bound to take all steps in their power to uphold the neutrality of Belgium and the observance of a Treaty to which Germany is as much a party as ourselves.
Published in BB No. 159.
This was communicated by Sir E. Goschen as an Aide Mémoire to Herr v. Jagow at 7 P.M. See DD No. 83.
Cf. also Nos. 615 and 671.
(1) No. 573
(35834) No. 595.
The Netherlands Minister to Sir Edward Grey. (Received August 4.)
Légation des Pays-Bas, Londres, le 3 août 1914.
M le Secrétaire d'état.
D'ordre de mon Gouvernement j'ai l'honneur de porter à la connaissance de
votre Excellence que le Ministre allemand à La Haye, après avoir fait, hier matin, au
Ministre des Affaires Étrangères une communication relative à l'ultimatum posé à la Belgique, lui a déclar‚ ensuite, au nom du Gouvernement Impérial, que celui-ci respectera entièrement la neutralité des Pays-Bas, si les Pays-Bas maintiennent la neutralité envers l'Allemagne. Le Ministre des Affaires étrangèr es a répondu que telle était la décision du Gouvernement Royal, et il a pris acte de la déclaration du Ministre allemand.
En satisfaisant par la présente ces instructions, je saisis, &c.
R. DE MAREES VAN SWINDEREN
(35833) No. 596.
The Netherlands Minister to Sir Edward Grey.
Londres, le août 1914.
D'ordre de mon Gouvernement j'ai l'honneur de porter à la connaissance de Votre Excellence qu'un décret vient d'être promulgué interdisant à des aviateurs étrangers de franchir les frontières du pays. Le Gouvernement Royal n'assume aucune responsabilité quant au conséquences que pourra entrainer la non-observation de cette interdiction.
R. DE MAREES VAN SWINDEREN
(35790) No. 597.
Admiralty to Foreign Office. (Received August 4.)
Admiralty, August 4, 1914.
I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to request that Secretary Sir E. Grey will notify the Italian Government that the Commander-in chief, Mediterranean, has been enjoined to respect rigidly the neutrality which that Government have declared.
2. Sir Berkeley Milne has been instructed not to permit any of His Majesty's ships to come within six miles of the Italian coast. If this fact is notified to the Italian Government it should be made clear that this order is inspired by a desire to meet their views to the utmost, and is not to be taken as implying an admission of their claim to territorial waters beyond the three-mile limit.
I am, .&c.
(For the Secretary),
J. W. S. ANDERSON.
(35844) No. 598.
Tewfik Pasha to Sir Edward Grey. (Received August 4.)
Ambassade Impériale Ottomane a Londres.
L'Ambassadeur de Turquie présente ses compliments à Sir E. Grey et a l'honneur de communiquer à son Excellence que la mobilisation générale qui vient d'être proclamée dans tout l'Empire a en vue de garantir uniquement les territoires de l'Empire Ottoman le Gouvernement Impérial ayant décidé de garder une stricte neutralité dans les conflits actuels.
Le 4 août 1914.
Cf. No. 605.
(35831) No. 599.
Mr. Howard to Sir Edward Grey.
Stockholm, August 4, 1914.
D. 11:55 A.M.
Tel. (No. 22.)
R. 2:30 P.M.
Swedish mobilisation continuing gradually. Fleet and coast artillery called out yesterday.
(35717) No. 600.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir M. de Bunsen.
Foreign Office, August 4, 1914.
Tel. (No. 206.)
D. 2:30 P.M.
Your telegram No. 152 of 3rd August.(l)
If your Excellency is eventually withdrawn, you should ask American Ambassador to take charge of British interests as arranged.
(1) No. 582.