them, as if they had gone by the
more southern route they could not have hoped, in view of the
paucity of roads and the strength of the fortresses, to have got
through without formidable opposition entailing great loss of
time. This loss of time would have meant time gained by the
Russians for bringing up their troops to the German frontier.
Rapidity of action was the great German asset, while that of
Russia was an inexhaustible supply of troops. I pointed out to
Herr von Jagow that this _fait accompli_ of the violation of the
Belgian frontier rendered, as he would readily understand, the
situation exceedingly grave, and I asked him whether there was
not still time to draw back and avoid possible consequences,
which both he and I would deplore. He replied that, for the
reasons he had given me, it was now impossible for them to draw
back.

"During the afternoon I received your further telegram of the
same date and, in compliance with the instructions therein
contained, I again proceeded to the Imperial Foreign Office and
informed the Secretary of State that, unless the Imperial
Government could give the assurance by twelve o'clock that night
that they would proceed no further with their violation of the
Belgian frontier and stop their advance, I had been instructed to
demand my passports and inform the Imperial Government that his
majesty's Government would have to take all steps in their power
to uphold the neutrality of Belgium and the observance of a
treaty to which Germany was as much a party as themselves.

"Herr von Jagow replied that to his great regret he could give no
other answer than that which he had given me earlier in the day,
namely, that the safety of the empire rendered it absolutely
necessary that the Imperial troops should advance through
Belgium. I asked him whether, in view of the terrible
consequences which would necessarily ensue, it were not possible
even at the last moment that their answer should be reconsidered.
He replied that if the time given were even twenty-four hours or
more, his answer must be the same. I said that in that case I
should have to demand my passports. This interview took place at
about seven o'clock. In a short conversation which ensued Herr
von Jagow expressed his poignant regret at the c