Grey's pointed
interrogation, and the only reply that was given was that "he must
consult the Emperor and the Chancellor before he could possibly
answer," and the German Secretary of State very significantly added
that for strategic reasons it was "very doubtful whether they would
return any answer at all."

Goschen also submitted the matter to the German Chancellor, who also
evaded the question by stating that "Germany would in any case desire
to know the reply returned to you [the English Ambassador] by the
French Government."

That these were mere evasions the events on the following day
demonstrated.

On August 1st, Sir Edward Grey saw the German Ambassador in London,
and the following significant conversation took place:

I told the German Ambassador to-day that the reply of the
German Government with regard to the neutrality of Belgium
was a matter of very great regret, because the neutrality of
Belgium affected feeling in this country. If Germany could
see her way to give the same assurance as that which had
been given by France it would materially contribute to
relieve anxiety and tension here. On the other hand, if
there were a violation of the neutrality of Belgium by one
combatant, while the other respected it, it would be
extremely difficult to restrain public feeling in this
country. I said that we had been discussing this question at
a Cabinet meeting, and as I was authorized to tell him this
I gave him a memorandum of it.

He asked me whether, if Germany gave a promise not to
violate Belgian neutrality, we would engage to remain
neutral.

I replied that I could not say that; our hands were still
free, and we were considering what our attitude should be.
All I could say was that our attitude would be determined
largely by public opinion here, and that the neutrality of
Belgium would appeal very strongly to public opinion here.
I did not think that we could give a promise of neutrality
on that condition alone.[89]

[Footnote 89: English _White Paper_, No. 123.]

On the following day, August 2d, the German Minister at Brussels
handed to the Belgian Foreign Office the following "highly
confidential" document. After stating that "the German Government has
received _reliable information_, according to which the French forces
intend to march on the Meuse, by way of Givet and Namur," and