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 Belgian Government 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."

Germany, through its Intelligence Department, was aware that this
note had been sent, but the invasion of Belgium began, nevertheless.
Then came an ultimatum from England. As soon as the British Foreign
Office had learned that German troops had crossed the border and
that the fortifications at Liege had been summoned to surrender to
the German army, this telegram was sent to the British Ambassador at
Berlin:

"London Foreign Office, August 4, 1914. 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 of this morning [which said that
England was bound to protest against violation of Belgian
neutrality] be received here by twelve o'clock to-night. If not, you
are instructed to ask for your passports and to say that his
Majesty's Government feel 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 part as ourselves."

Midnight of August 4, 1914, came and the German Government had not
yet made a reply to this note; fifteen minutes of grace were
allowed, and then the British Government formally declared war.

The next move of a world power, toward belligerency, came in the Far
East. In 1911 Japan and England had entered an offensive and
defensive alliance, which bound each to come to the other's aid
should that other become involved in war with more than one nation.
Japan readily agreed to live up to its part, and on August 16, 1914,
sent an ultimatum to Germany which read:

"Tokyo, August 16, 1914. We consider it highly important and
necessary in the present situation to tak