The Great War

Battles on land and sea

Germans seize British ships

With regard to the seizure or requisitioning by Germany of British ships, it seems undesirable to point out at once that this is not an act of war nor necessarily a procedure to be regarded as highly provocative.

There are precedents and the drawing of hasty conclusions is manifestly undesirable. At the same time there seems to be little doubt as to the facts. The Wilson liner, Castaro, A vessel from Dantzig to Hull was capturedby the Germans in the Kiel canal and ordered to Hamburg.

British government’s decision

It was understood they the government will ask parliament for a credit vote of £50 million for defensive purposes.

The naval reserve have been called and it is believed that further important steps are in contemplation.

War commences

It is evident that Germany’s preparations were in a more advanced state than was previously announced, France was attacked without a formal declaration of war and in spite of the country’s evident desire to avoid conflict as long as there was any possibility of a peaceful solution.

The neutral state of Luxembourg was invaded by the German army, government offices seized and telegraphic and telephonic communications cut.

Britain’s position

As at the time of writing the final decision of the British cabinet on the grave issue at stake had not been announced. Mr Asquith will make an important statement in the House of Commons today. The £50 million vote of credit for defensive purpose is a grim portent.

Cabinet and the crisis Neutrality refused Great Britain’s firm attitude Tremendous scenes of enthusiasm were met outside the House of Commons, shortly before 3 o’clock, Mr Lloyd George, Mr Herbert Samuel, Mr Illingworth and The Lord Chief Justice drove down to the House. An enormous crowd cheered them over and over again.

Shortly afterwards Mr Churchill and Mr FE Smith were seen walking down Whitehall together, they met the First Lord of the Admiralty en route, who acknowledged the cheers of the crowd by repeatedly taking his hat off to them.

General mobilisation

The Press Association is officially informed that a general mobilisation has been decided upon to begin at midnight tomorrow.

Belgium in peril

Belgian co-operation demanded The German minister has handed the Belgian minister of foreign affairs an ultimatum asking it to facilitate the passage of German troops through Belgium. The Belgian government has refused on the grounds of the principle of the respect for neutrality.

Reuter