make us an official communication, but that we knew his personal
opinion as to the feelings of security, which we had the right to
entertain toward our eastern neighbors. I at once replied that
all that we knew of their intentions, as indicated in numerous
previous conversations, did not allow us to doubt their perfect
correctness toward Belgium. I added, however, that we should
attach the greatest importance to the possession of a formal
declaration, which the Belgian nation would hear of with joy and
gratitude."

Later, the German Minister presented the following "very
confidential" note to Belgium.

GERMAN DECLARATION OF INTENTIONS TOWARD BELGIUM

"Reliable information has been received by the German Government
to the effect that French forces intend to march on the line of
the Meuse by Givet and Namur. This information leaves no doubt as
to the intention of France to march through Belgian territory
against Germany.

"The German Government cannot but fear that Belgium, in spite of
the utmost good will, will be unable, without assistance, to
repel so considerable a French invasion with sufficient prospect
of success to afford an adequate guaranty against danger to
Germany. It is essential for the self-defense of Germany that she
should anticipate any such hostile attack. The German Government
would, however, feel the deepest regret if Belgium regarded as an
act of hostility against herself the fact that the measures of
Germany's opponents force Germany, for her own protection, to
enter Belgian territory.

"In order to exclude any possibility of misunderstanding, the
German Government make the following declaration:

"1. Germany has in view no act of hostility against Belgium. In
the event of Belgium being prepared in the coming war to maintain
an attitude of friendly neutrality toward Germany, the German
Government bind themselves, at the conclusion of peace, to
guarantee the possessions and independence of the Belgian Kingdom
in full.

"2. Germany undertakes, under the above-mentioned condition, to
evacuate Belgian territory on the conclusion of peace.

"3. If Belgium adopts a friendly attitude, Germany is prepared,
in cooperation with the Belgian authorities, to purchase all
necessaries for her troops against a cash paym