facilitate military operations against France on Belgian
territory; finally against the false allegation of an alleged
projected invasion of these two countries by French armies, by
which he has attempted to justify the state of war which he
declares henceforth exists between Germany and France."

M. Allize, Minister at Munich, was also instructed to ask for his
passports.

M. Viviani reported to the French representatives abroad that German
troops had violated Belgian territory at Gemmerich.

_Belgium._ Baron von der Elst, Secretary General, reported an
interview at 1.30 p. m. with Herr von Below Saleske, German
Minister.

"The minister officially informed the Belgian Government that
French dirigibles had thrown bombs, and that a French cavalry
patrol had crossed the frontier in violation of international
law, seeing that war had not been declared.

"The secretary general asked Herr von Below where these incidents
had happened, and was told that it was in Germany. Baron van der
Elst then observed that in that case he could not understand the
object of this communication. Herr von Below stated that these
acts, which were contrary to international law, were calculated
to lead to the supposition that other acts, contrary to
international law, would be committed by France."

M. Davignon, Minister for Foreign Affairs, communicated to Herr von
Below Saleske Belgium's reply to the German note.

"This note has made a deep and painful impression upon the
Belgian Government.

"The intentions attributed to France by Germany are in
contradiction to the formal declarations made to us on August 1,
in the name of the French Government.

"Moreover, if, contrary to our expectation, Belgian neutrality
should be violated by France, Belgium intends to fulfill her
international obligations and the Belgian army would offer the
most vigorous resistance to the invader.

"The treaties of 1839, confirmed by the treaties of 1870 vouch
for the independence and neutrality of Belgium under the guaranty
of the powers, and notably of the Government of his majesty the
King of Prussia.

"Belgium has always been faithful to her international
obligations, she has carried out her duties in a spirit of loyal
impartiality, and she has left nothing undone to maintain and
enforce respec