GERMAN ULTIMATUM TO BELGIUM.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12306, 5 August 1914, Page 4

GERMAN ULTIMATUM TO BELGIUM.

THE QUESTION OF NEUTRALITY. BELGIAN GOVERNMENT, REFUSES j GERMANY'S BIDDING. Received: August 4, at 8.10 p.m. ' Brussels. August 3. • The German 'Minister at 7. o'clockthis evening presented an ultimatuhi to Belgium stating tha't as large bodies of ■ French -troops- wcrq preparing to oper- ■ ate though Nannir, Germany would, be obliged to adopt measures of defence. Germany begged the Belgian Government to state before, seven o'clock in the morning whether -they prepared .to facilitato German preparations. Belgiuip replying, stated that France had already given assurances in respect to Belgian neutrality. Belgium had too much regard for high sentiment and her dignity to accede to such a demand ; therefore she defiantly refused to facilitate German operations and protested "against any violation of territory. Belgium resolved -to. energetically defend her neutrality, which the King of Prussia guaranteed. ■ Brussels, August 3. The Germans operating north of Liege have., not. actually crossed the frontier. . ' The Soliel announces that another German .Note lias been received and •negotiations "'a.re in progress. Parliament has been summoned for Tuesday morning.' Received August 5, at 9.5 u.m. Loudon, August 4. Germany sent an..ultimatum to Belgium demanding the military use of Belgian territory. An answer was demanded by seven o'clock this morning. The Daily Exchange states that Belgium refused. Received August 3, "at 9.15 a.m. London, August 3. Belgium's refusal of the Germ;ui demands is semi-officially confirmed. Received August o. at 0.50 p.m. London, August 3. Router confirms the German.Note to Belgium, declaring her intention to use Belgian territory if necessary. ' Received August o, at 11.35 a.m. London, August 3. A new German note has been handed to Belgium, and the negotiations thereon are progressing. It is reported at Brussels that the-" Germans have not yet violated Belgian temtprj-. I