Jasper County Democrat, Volume 17, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 August 1914 — BRITAIN SENDS WAR ULTIMATUM TO GERMAN RULER [ARTICLE]

BRITAIN SENDS WAR ULTIMATUM TO GERMAN RULER

Demands Removal of Troops From Luxembourg. MOBILIZES ARMY AND NAVY Participation by Whole British Fleet Is Guaranteed If the Kaiser’s Ships Enter English Channel to Attack French Flotilla. London, Aug. 4. —It is rumored that Viacount Morley of Blackburn, lord president of the council, contemplates resigning from the cabinet. John Burns has resigned London, Aug. 4. —According to private and unofficial sources in the house of commons it is learned that the British government has presented an ultimatum to Germany demanding the instant Withdrawal of German troops from the Luxembourg territory. It is generally believed among members of parliament that Great Britain will declare war before 24 hours have passed. It is understood that the ultimatum came to an end at seven o’clock last night without a favorable reply from Germany. Britain Mobilizes Forces. London, Aug. 4. —It has been officially announced by the admiralty that the mobilization of the British navy is now complete and that the navy is on a full war footing. King George signed a decree ordering the mobilization of all British forces. The forces ordered mobilized include the reserves and territories, or soldiers of Canada and other sections of the empire. London, Aug. 4. —The house of commons adjourned its protracted session at ten o'clock last night. Contrary to general expectations Premier Asquith did not address the session. England to Aid Belgium. London, Aug 4. —Great Britain has shown her hand—she stands firmly by France. Sir Edward Grey has formally notified the French government. The great, overshadowing events of the world-drama which have been staged in this city are these: Germany demanded that Belgium grant within 12 hours, permission to pass German troops through Belgium, threatening war if refused. Belgium sent a passionate appeal to England to help her preserve her integrity, Which England had guaraneted by treaty. On the strength of England’s reply, Belgium bluntly refused the request of Germany. Germany has approached England directly, and asked if England would Consent to German invasion of Belgium on the agreement that, at the close of the war, Belgium should be assured of her independence and damages. England curtly replied that she had guaranteed Belgian integrity and that England cannot barter either her interests nor her obligations. Pledges Aid to France.

From Fratice came an appeal, asking to know at once whether England will stand by her against Germany, and Sir Edward Grey, the British foreign secretary, replied that if a German fleet comes into the North sea or the English channel to undertake hostile operations against the French fleet or the French coast England will give all the protection in her power. Immediately on announcement of this policy King George signed an order for the complete mobilization of the entire British army . Belgian Neutrality the Issue. Sir Edward said he understood that the German parliament would be prepared "if we can pledge neutrality” to agree that its [.fleet would not attack the northern coast of France. He declared that this was a far too narrow promise. "The consideration which is becoming more serious every hour," he said, "is Belgium's neutrality.” Belgium to Repel Invaders. London, Aug. 4. —Sir Edward Grey in a second statement in the house of commons after the conference of ministers in regard to the German ultimatum to Belgium said: "The British government is taking Into grave consideration the Information received, and I will make no further comment.”