EUROPE IN ARMS

Auckland Star, Volume XLV, Issue 186, 6 August 1914, Page 5

EUROPE IN ARMS

BRITAIN'S DECLARATION . OF WAR UPON GERMANY. KAISER'S STORY OF NEGOTIATIONS GERMANY GROSSES BELGIUM. HEAVY FIGHTING IN PROGRESS.

GERMAN WARSHIPS IN THE NORTH SEA. RUSSIA'S ADVANCE TO GERMAN FRONTIER. The calm before the storm was apparent in Europe yesterday, and except for a conflict in Belgium the nations have devoted themselves to completing their preparations for the coming struggle. The most significant advices come from Brussels, whence it is reported that an unexpectedly strong barrier was opposed to the march of the Hermans through the kingdom and that heavy fighting was proceeding ulong the Valley of the Meuse, one of the world's historic battlefields. It is asserted that while the main German Fleet is in the comparatively safe waters to .the eastward of Denmark, the Baltic Fleet has passed through the Kiel Canal and is now off tbe coast of Jutland. It is difficult to conceive why Germany should offer up the lumb for the slaughter in this way. Another report on diplomatic authority states that the High Sea Fleet has passed through the Kiel Canal and is steaming westward. The Kaiser seeks to explain Germany's attitude by throwing the blame of the whole conflict upon Russia, which be declares insisted on mobilising in face of his earnest efforts for peace. Russia is now marching down in great force upon the Prussian frontier, and the Czar says that tbe last soldier shall die betore Russia will sue for peace. Canada is anxious to do her share in defending the Empire, and wants to buy three Dreadnoughts now building in Britain and band them over to the Motherland. From France it is officially announced that Germany has crossed the frontier and commenced her invasion, but this is stoutly denied by Germany, her Ambassador to Britain declaring that French troops are in Germany.