Great Britain

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 9, 28 August 1914, Page 5

Great Britain

A Chapter of History BRITISH SYMPATHY WITH THE BELGIANS. “NO SACRIFICE IRISHMEN WOULD NOT MAKE.”

("Received 11.55 a.m.)

London, August 27 (evening)

Mr Asquith, in moving the address to. King Albert, of Belgium, said the Belgians shad, unflinchingly faced "tl?c horrors of ir ruction,' spoiling' and oiftral&, oddfe. They* hact’,j?tubhohUlr" arrested 'the ■ onrush ofojsftvvj ftftfeF'wave of gigantic and gforcest The defence of Liege* would remain an inspiriting chapter-of history, and Britain was proud of their alliance; Mr Bonar Law paid a similar tribute.

Mr Eedmond said there was uo sacrifice that Irishmen would dot make to assist the Belgians. The motion was unanimously carried. Lord Crewe, in the House of Lords, moved an address of sympathy with Belgium similar to that carried in the House of Commons.

MISUNDERSTANDING DURING THE NEGOTIATIONS.

London. August 27

. A curious misunderstanding on the, part of Prince Liclinowsky, recently Gentian Ambassador in i'r; .land, lia*? been revealed.

On August Ist lie informed Dr. ron Bethmann-Holhveg, German Imperial Chancellor, that in telephonic conversation Sir Edward Grey had asked whether, if France remained neutral during a Russo-German war, Germany would agree not to attack France. Prince Liclinowsky replied that he thought he could take the responsibility for that. The Kaiser immediately telegraphed to King George that for technical reasons he could not stop the mobilisation on two fronts, "hut if France offered a neutrality, guaranteed by the British array and navy, I will cease to consider an attack on France, and use the troops in another direction.” King George replied that there was some .misunderstanding over Sir Ed ward Grey’s and Prince Liclinowsky’s friendly discussion as to how hostilities between Germany and France could be avoided while any possibility existed for an agreement between Austria and Russia. Prince Lichnowsky admitted that he had been under a misapprehension, and forthwith telegraphed a correction to Berlin that there had never been any question of French neutrality in the event Of a Russo-German war. Sir Edward Grey had merely made a desperate effort to see if Germany* would remain neutral if England secured France’s neutrality.

The German Government published Prince Lichnowsky’s inaccurate telegram, and suppressed his correction in order to give fresh proof of British, perfidy and Germany’s eagerness to ac. cept epaco.

BRITISH MARINES LAND AT OSTEND,

(Received 9.10 a.m.) London, August 27

Mr Churchill, in the House of Commons, said that a strong force of marines landed at Ostond, and occupied the town and surrounding districts. THE SPENDING BATTLE. PROSPECTS OF THE BRITISH SATISFACTORY. (Received 10.50 p.m.) London, August 27. Mr Asquith added that General French reported that the prospects of the British in the impending hattie were satisfactory. WHY BRITAIN’S EFFORTS FOR

PEACE FAILED.

(Received 11.0 a.m.) London. August 27

Mr t*ir Ha rdi«. iu the House of GWomu», asked why t4ie Government

rejected Prince Lichnowsky’s suggestions for a settlement. Sir Edward Grey explained the facts, as cabled, and added that Prince Lichnowsky had not made any suggestions differing from the Gorman Government’s. Prince Lichnowsky had worked for peace, but the real authority did not rest with him. That was one of the reasons why our efforts for peace had failed. (Cheers.)

Mr Keir Harclie made several attempts to speak, but was howled down.