GERMANY AND BELGIUM.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 154, 5 August 1914, Page 7

GERMANY AND BELGIUM.

A REQUEST REFUSED. KAISER'S TROOPS ON THE FRONTIER. BRUSSELS, August 3. The German Minister' at seven o'clock in the evening presented an ultimatum, stating that large bodies of French were preparing to operate through Namur, and Germany consequently was obliged to adopt measures of defence. He begged the Belgian Government to state before seven in the morning whether it was prepared to facilitate German prepara; tions. Belgium, replying, stated that France already had given assurance that she would respect Belgian neutrality. Belgium had too high a sentiment of her dignity and interests to accede to such a demand, therefore definitely refused to facilitate German operations and protested against any violation of her territory. She had resolved to energetically defend the neutrality which the King of Prussia had guaranteed. It Avas reported that in spite of this refusal the Germans crossed the Belgian frontier, and tliey have taken possession of Arlon.

The "Etoile Beige" reported that Germans were posted twelve miles north of Liege.

A later report states that the Germans operating north of Liege have not actually crossed the frontier. Parliament has been summoned for Tuesday morning. The "Soleil" announces that another German Note has been received, and negotiations are in progress.