EUROPEAN WAR

♦ FORMAL DECLARATION BY BRITAIN EECEIPT OF NEWS IN NEW ZEALAND " NUMEROUS OUTBURSTS OF LOYALTY VOLUNTEERS FOB EXPEDITIONARY FORCE GERMAN HIGH SEA FLEET REPORTED DEPARTURE FROM KIEL RUMOUR OF NAYAL FIGHT CONTRADICTED SERVIAN DEFEAT OF AUSTRIANS A Second Edition of the Daily Times will be issued early in the forenoon, containing cable messages received too late for Inclusion in this issue.

Press Association— LONDON, August 3. Germany has sent an ultimatum to Be gium demanding the military nse of Be gian territory. An answer was demande by seven o'clock this morning. It : stated that Belgium has refused peraii: sion. In the House of Commons, Sir E. Gie | said that the King of Belgium had. teli graphed a supreme appeal to Great Britai to safeguard Belgian integrity. Sir Edward did not know whether a ultimatum had been sent to Belgium, bi if so it was clearly Great Britain's oblig* tio.i to do her utmost to prevent the coi sequences. The fleet had been mobilised and ,th Army was mobilising, but the Governmer had not yet promised to send an expecL tionary army abroad. GERMANY'S INTENTIONS. BRITISH NEUTRALITY DESIRED. LONDON, August 3. The German Embassy here has ai nounced that Germany is prepared to ah stain from attacking the north-east coas of France or using the\ Belgian-Dute coast if Great Britain will remain neutra for the time being. It is argued that b; doing this Great Britain will render th maximum of assistance to France withou going to war. In the House of Commons, Sir E. Gre said : Great Britain yesterday gave Franc an assurance of help if the German Nav; attacked her in the North Sea or the Eng lish Channel. Germany's undertaking no to attack the north-east coast of France i Great Britain pledged herself to neutralit; was far too narrow an engagement. 1 FURTHER GERMAN AGGRESSION. SWISS AND BELGIAN TOWNS OCCUPIED. LONDON, August 3. The Daily Telegraph states that thi Germans have occupied Arlon (Belgium and the Swiss railway station at Basle. £1,600,000 OF GERMAN MONEY. SEIZURE BY FRANCE. PARIS, August 3. A truck laden with £800,000 in gold am a similar amount in silver belonging to i German concern was seized outside Parii when en route for Germany. THE KRONPRINZESSIN CECILIE. BRITISH STEAMERS DETAINED. LONDON, August 3. The Kronprinzessin Cecilie wirelessly signalled to Malin Head (the most northerly point of Ireland) yesterday, but her position is not stated. Germany has detained i tlie British steamers Saxon and Castro' at Cughaven (near Hamburg). THE BRITISH OPPOSITION. UNHESITATING SUPPORT PROMISED. LONDON, August 3. Lord Lansdowne Mid Mr Bonar Law interviewed Mr Asquith prior to the Cabinet meeting which is now sitting. Belgium's refusal of Germany's demands is semi-officially confirmed. The Evening Standard states that the Cabinet is being reconstructed, and will include the Opposition leaders, but the story is not confirmed. Mr Bonar Law, in the House of Commons, eulogised the action of the overseas dominions, and promised the Government the Opposition's unhesitating support. Mr J. Ramsay Mac Donald said that he was -convinced that Sir E. Grey was wrong, and that the country was in no danger. MR REDMOND'S PATRIOTISM. ORANGE AND GREEN UNITED. , LONDON, August 3. In the House of Commons, Mr Redmond, amid tremendous cheering, said v that the Government might withdraw all ite troops from Ireland, which the armed Catholics and Ulstermen would protect. MORATORIUM BILL PASSED. LONDON, August 3. The House passed the Bill embodying the moratorium proposal, and also prolonging the bank holiday till Tuesday and Wednesday. The holiday, however, does not apply to general industry. PARISIAN ENTHUSIASM. • THE POWERS OF MELANTTE. ITALIANS CHEER THE FRENCH TROOPS. PARIS, August 3. Several thousand demonstrators surrounded the Alsace-Lorraine memorial singing patriotic songs and shouting " To Berlin!" The Matin publishes an interview with M. Turpin. the inventor of melanite. M. Turpin declares that the Minister fcf War has accepted the new invention, which will modify military tactics and render all defensive measures illusory. *The enemy's forces will be annihilated by its use. Several thousand young Italians paraded the streets with Italian and French flags, cheering the French Army^ 'I he crowds gave the Italians an ovation. GERMANY AND RUSSIA. THE NAVAL ENGAGEMENT. STOCKHOLM, August 3. The reports of an engagement between Russian and German warships are confirmed. One of the largest Russian warships Is ashore and cannot be refloated.

By Telegraph—Copyright. FIEST AIR FIGHT. 1- \ 1- A PARISIAN RUMOUR. d is LONDON, August 4. 3 . It is rumoured in Paris that Garros, the well-known airman, destroyed a German y Zeppelin airship, but lost his life in the .. act. n SYDNEY HERALD'S. COMMENT. n it BRITAIN WILL STRIKE. k- . i- SYDNEY, August 5. The Herald says: " The cable news e shows that Great Britain is presenting an t ever firmer front to Germany, and a fori- mal declaration of war on the facts cannot much longer be delayed. But which of the two Powers will declare war? A deal depends whether Italy is ready to fight at the call of her ally. Immediately Belgian neutrality is prejudiced Great Britain will strike, and with all her strength." ;! NEW SOUTH WALES PATRIOTISM. h ENTHUSIASTIC VOLUNTEERS. 7 _ SYDNEY, August 5. Q The Daily Telegraph strongly declaims t against the censorship of cable news, but at the same time will loyally abide by the decisions of the authorities. B The authorities are swamped with volunteers from all classes for the proposed ex- _ peditionary force. Numerous airmen are fc offering their services and machines, prill vate persons and firms their motor vehicles and all classes of motor boats. The Motor Cycle Club reports that it is ready to take tho field. The Manufacturers' Association enthusiastically resolved to assist in every possible manner. The Million Club has asked the Lore! Mayor to convene a meeting as a demonstration of loyalty, and to propose the best 3 way of assisting the Defence Department. ) Other States report a similar wave of loyalty and readiness to assist by every possible means. The Eastern Extension Company advises that, owing to pressure of Government and other business, deferred and week-end services are suspended. The Indo-European route via Teheran is interrupted. I The heads of banks and other commeri- cial enterprises strongly advise investors 5 to, keep cool and hold on to their scrip. Banks and other securities are sound, and there is nothing to fear. FRENCH MOBILISATION. EXTRAORDINARY SCENES OF EXCITEMENT. GERMANS WANT TO LEAVE. PARIS, August 4. The city is calm. Hundreds of men, women, and children, mostly Germans, are at the Gare du Nord waiting to leave, but the railway services are wholly used by the military for purposes of mobilisation. The order to mobilise instantly set the country in movement, and there were extraordinary scenes. Me% rushed about as if demented, and women fell on their knees and wept. Motor cars, cycles, horses, and everything of use for military operations was immediately requisitioned. President Poincare has issued a proclamation emphasising France's strong* efforts to secure 'peace. She now relies- on the patriotism of Frenchmen, who are ready to do their duty. The Government has postponed the payment of debt 3 until August 31. This applies to deposit and current accoifcts, depositors being permitted to draw a limited amount. AUSTRALIAN PRECAUTIONS. DEMONSTRATIONS OF LOYALTY, PROFFERS OF HELP TO, BRITAIN. SYDNEY, August 5. Federal Ministers remain in continuous Cabinet. They'are'in close touch with the naval and military authorities. Frequent communications are being received from the Imperial authorities, but their contents are not being disclosed. All the State Governments have advised the Commonwealth Prime Minister (Mr Cook) that they are ready and, willing to support his offer to the Imperial Govern- ' ment and in all other ways. The searchlights at the various main harbours arc kept going throughout the night. Great demonstrations of loyalty took place at all the theatres, also at the reception to the visiting football teams partici pating at the Olympic carnival. GERMAN VESSELS IN THE PACIFIC. PROBABLE REFUGE—MANILA. STEAMERS DETAINED AT NEWCASTLE, i SYDNEY, August 5. It has been learned that the German morcantile vessels which during the past «few days have hurriedly left all Australian ports did so under sealed orders. It is rumoured that they are all making , for a general mesting-place, and will pro- < bably be collected by the German Pacific squadron in the vicinity of German New i Guinea, and convoyed to some neutral port, possibly Manila.

It is stated that the officials at New castle have bean instructed not to allow the German steamer and three sailing vessels now there to depart. f ites cutting off of German trade means a severe blow to the trade of Sydney and other Australian ports.

ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP'S VIEWS. SYDNEY, August 5. Archbishop Kelly (R.C.), in a speech at the laying of a foundation stone, said that if the people who made wars had to fight it would not matter, but the country's sons were butchered for what politicians had done. If there was any case for the defence he would say nothing, but in the present case it seemed to be the hand of God laid on a nation who had forgotten Him. SYDNEY BUDGET OF NEWS. GERMAN RAIDS ON FRANCE. AUSTRIANS REPULSED BY SERVIANS. RUSSIAN AND BELGIAN COMMANDS. SYDNEY, August 5. Delayed cables dated London, August 3, report that tho Prussian regiments along the Belgian frontier, near Aix-la-Chapelle, are employed in obstructing the roads with vehicles and trees. The King of Belgium commands the Belgian Army. The Grand Duke Nicholas Nicolaivevetoh has been appointed Russian Commander-in-chief. A new German Note has been handed to Belgium, and negotiations thereon are progressing. It is reported in Brussels that Germany has not yet violated Belgian territory. Germany is continuing raids on the French frontier for the purpose of drawing the enemy out. The French, however, remain within the five-mile limit. The Hague Convention reports that the German Minister gave an assurance that Germany would respect the neutrality of the Netherlands, and declared that he would not present an ultimatum to Holland. The commander of the German cruiser Augsberg asserts that he bombarded Libau and set the port afire, besides laying mines in the haTbour. Tlie German troop 3 are operating within a few miles of Liege. German dirigibles and aeroplanes are hovering, near tho frontier. It is understood that the German fleet will be practically bottled up in the Baltic, and will probably remain in the Kiel Canal. Germany asserts that she only ordered the detention of the steamer Castro because she wished to keep the Kiel Canal clear. An Austrian column, which was attempting to enter the Sandjak at- Ouvatz, was repulsed. During the six days since the war commenced not a single Austrian has entered Servian territory. Austria is now diverting troops from Servia to protect her Russian frontier. The Grecian Crown Prince and Prince Christian have left London for home. GERMAN AMBASSADOR LEAVES PARIS. WAR FORMALLY DECLARED. THE NOTE TO BELGIUM. * LONDON, August 3. Baron von Schoen, the German Ambassador, has left Paris, and Germany has declared a state of war. Reuter confirms the German Note to Belgium declaring her intention to use Belgian territory if necessary. FRENCH AVIATOR'S FLIGHTS. GERMANY'S HYPOCRISY. PARIS, August 4. Baron von Schoen delivered a letter declaring that French aviators had flown over Germany and Belgium. Owing to these acts of aggression Germany considered herself at war with France. The Premier (M. Viviani) pointed out that there had been prior violations by Germany, and France , had protested against the violation of Luxemburg and the* ultimatum to Belgium. BELGIAN GOVERNMENT. SOCIALIST JOINS THE MINISTRY. "BELGIUM READY FOR SACRIFICES." BRUSSELS, August 4. M. Vandervelde, the Socialist leader, has been appointed a Minister in order that all parties may be represented in the Government. The National Bank's security have been removed to Antwerp, where all business is suspended. The King addressed a joint fitting of the Chamber. . His Majesty said : '' Belgium is ready for all sacrifices, and will resist the invader." All classes were gathered round the Sovereign. A prolonged scene of enthusiasm followed. M. de Broqueville, the Premier, said that the Government would not sacrifice Belgium's honour, and would face Germany's threat. The word therefore now is : "To arms! Belgium will never submit i" NEWS IN LONDON. ITEMS FROM THE CONTINENT. RUSSIAN AND AUSTRIAN REVERSES. A PASSING BOMBARDMENT. LONDON, August 4. The Admiralty urges that all British ships bound for Continental ports north of Calais be diverted to United Kingdom ports. Details of all military and naval operations are meagre and misleading, owing to the censorship. A private telegram from Stockholm treats the Aland Island naval battle as a canard. There is much excitement in London over a rumour that German cruisers have been seen in the Atlantic. If true, these will be the Goehen and the Breslau. French troops are keeping well off the frontier line, and are not playing Germany's game by exciting ihuazeivea over German raiding parties. There have been only small cavalry skirmishes. On Germany's eastern frontier 20 Russians were killed. The Russians attacked Johannisburg at six o'clock, and also the railway between Johannisburg and Lyek, near Gutten, and the railway to Dlottowen. It is believed that Austria has abandoned an active campaign in Servia, in order to attend to more pressing matters in Galicia. The warlike feeling is spreading in Bulgaria, but she is not likely to abandon her neutrality at present. The French Embassy states that the Breslau bombarded Bona (Algeria) at four o'clock this morning, and afterwards went full steam westward. . BRITAIN'S NAVAL RESERVES. 1 LONDON, August 4. j By calling up all naval reserves the Admiralty obtains a total of 200,000 officers ' ind men wherewith to place the third fleet ' mi a war footing. >

Prior to invading Belgium, Germany officially declared her intention of using the territory. FRENCH MORATORIUM. PARIS, August 4. The Government is introducing a Bill extending the moratorium to house rents, and doubling the Bank of France's note issue.

SEVERE AUSTRIAN REPULSE. SERVIANS SUCCESSFUL. PARIS, August 4. The Matin says that the Austrians attacked tho Servians at Semindria, and were repulsed with heavy loss. The Austrians for six days vainly endeavoured to cross the Save. BRITISH SUPPLY BILL. A BRIEF SITTING. £100,000,000 VOTED. LONDON, August 4. Bank holiday has been prolonged over Thursday. The House of Commons passed all outstanding votes for Supply, amounting to £100,000,000, in 10 minutes. It is rumoured that Mr Masterman has resigned from the Cabinet. Eighty-five per cent, was being paid at Lloyd's (prior to England's declaration) to insure against war between Britain and Germany within three months. A supposed spy, arrested at Grimsby, has been released. ANTI-GERMAN RIOTS IN PARIS. MARTIAL LAW THREATENED. CAFES AND DRINK SHOPS CLOSED EARLY. COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF LEAVES FOR THE FRONT. PARIS, August 4. General Joffere, the French Commander-in-chief, has left for the frontier. It is reported that a German force has concentrated near Mars la Tour (near Metz). Numerous foreigners are asking permission to form volunteer corps, including the Polish miners in the northern districts. The mob at night wrecked the shops and restaurants of which Germans are supposed to be the owners. One hundred and fifty persons were arrested. There were further raids in the morning, despite threats of martial law. All cafes and drink shops were closed at nine o'clock. GERMAN SUPPLY BILL. £250,000,000 WANTED. BERLIN, August 4. A Bill has been introduced in the Reichstag voting an extraordinary credit of £250,000,000. ITALY REMAINS NEUTRAL. REPLY TO GERMANY'S CALL. SWEDEN'S NEUTRALITY ANNOUNCED. ROME, August 4. The Giornale d'ltalia says that Germany has called the attention of Italy to France's so-called hostile acts, and declared that these constitute a reason for Italy's intervention. The Giomale adds that the Italian Government does not consider that such acts have established a casus foederis, and adheres to a policy of neutrality. STOCKHOLM, August 4. Sweden remains neutral. GERMANY'S INTENTIONS. BRITISH POLITICIANS LAUGH. AN UNSATISFACTORY EXPLANATION. LONDON, August 4. In the House of Commons, Mr Asquith read Herr von Jagow's (German Minister of Foreign Affairs) telegram, repeating the formal assurance that Germany will not annex Belgian territory.—(Derisive laughter.) Germany had unimpeachable information that France intended to attack her across Belgium, hence Germany's disregard of Belgian neutrality. Mr Asquith added : This explanation is unsatisfactory. It is. officially announced that Germany has invaded Belgium at Verviers. A German aeroplane bombarded Luneville. It was a bloodless affair. Turkey is mobilising. Lord Morley has resigned from the Cabinet. BELGIAN MOBILISATION. STRATEGICAL LINE GUARDED.

BRUSSELS, August 3. One hundred and fifty thousand troops are mobilised to defend the country's neutrality. The strategical line from Malmedy to Liege is guarded oh the German and Belgian sides. Twenty-six thousand men are engaged digging trenches between the forts. REPORTED NAVAL ENGAGEMENT. OFF ENGLISH COAST. FRENCH AND GERMAN FLEETS FIGHTING. LONDON, August 4. Ships arriving in the Tyne declare that a battle is proceeding off Flamborough Head (Yorkshire) between the French and German fleets.