Treaties and Documents Relative to the Neutrality of the Netherlands and Belgium: Difference between revisions

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<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT COLOR="#1822CD" SIZE=+2>Alexander Fuehr<BR>
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  <TITLE>Alexander Fuehr. The Neutrality of Belgium. 1915. Chapter One.</TITLE>
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<BODY BGCOLOR="#ffffff">
 
<center><FONT COLOR="#1822CD" SIZE=+2>Alexander Fuehr<BR>
THE NEUTRALITY OF BELGIUM<BR>
THE NEUTRALITY OF BELGIUM<BR>
1915</FONT></P>
1915</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><b><FONT SIZE=+2>APPENDIX</FONT> <BR>
<center><A NAME="A"></A><FONT SIZE=+2>APPENDIX</FONT> <BR>
<FONT SIZE=+3>A</FONT></b></P>
<FONT SIZE=+3>A</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=+1>TREATIES RELATIVE TO<BR>
<center><FONT SIZE=+1>TREATIES RELATIVE TO<BR>
THE NETHERLANDS AND BELGIUM</FONT></P>
THE NETHERLANDS AND BELGIUM</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>signed at London, April 19, 1839.</P>
<center>signed at London, April 19, 1839.</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT BY <BR>
<center>PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT BY <BR>
COMMAND OF HER MAJESTY, 1839</P>
COMMAND OF HER MAJESTY, 1839</center>


<b><P><FONT SIZE=+1>1. Treaty between Great Britain, Austria, France, Prussia
<br><br><FONT SIZE=+1>1. Treaty between Great Britain, Austria, France, Prussia
and Russia, on the one part, and the Netherlands, on the other.</FONT></P></b>
and Russia, on the one part, and the Netherlands, on the other.</FONT></center>


<P>In the Name of the Most Holy and Indivisible Trinity.</P>
<br><br>In the Name of the Most Holy and Indivisible Trinity.</center>


<P>Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
<br><br>Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
His Majesty the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and Bohemia, His Majesty
His Majesty the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and Bohemia, His Majesty
the King of the French, His Majesty the King of Prussia, and His Majesty
the King of the French, His Majesty the King of Prussia, and His Majesty
Line 28: Line 66:
Articles agreed upon by the Plenipotentiaries of Great Britain, Austria,
Articles agreed upon by the Plenipotentiaries of Great Britain, Austria,
France, Prussia, and Russia on the 14th of October, 1831; their said Majesties
France, Prussia, and Russia on the 14th of October, 1831; their said Majesties
have named for their Plenipotentiaries, that is to say: * * *</P>
have named for their Plenipotentiaries, that is to say: * * *</center>


<P>Who, after having communicated to each other their Full Powers, found
<br><br>Who, after having communicated to each other their Full Powers, found
in good and due form, have agreed upon the following Articles:</P>
in good and due form, have agreed upon the following Articles:</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>ARTICLE I</P>
<center><A NAME="p200"></A>ARTICLE I</center>


<P>His Majesty the King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, engages
<br><br>His Majesty the King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, engages
to cause to be immediately converted into a Treaty with His Majesty the
to cause to be immediately converted into a Treaty with His Majesty the
King of the Belgians, the Articles annexed to the present Act, and agreed
King of the Belgians, the Articles annexed to the present Act, and agreed
upon by common consent, under the auspices of the Courts of Great Britain,
upon by common consent, under the auspices of the Courts of Great Britain,
Austria, France, Prussia and Russia.</P>
Austria, France, Prussia and Russia.</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>ARTICLE II</P>
<center>ARTICLE II</center>


<P>Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
<br><br>Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
His Majesty the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and Bohemia, His Majesty
His Majesty the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and Bohemia, His Majesty
the King of the French, His Majesty the King of Prussia, and His Majesty
the King of the French, His Majesty the King of Prussia, and His Majesty
Line 49: Line 87:
preceding Article, are considered as having the same force and validity
preceding Article, are considered as having the same force and validity
as if they were textually inserted in the present Act, and that they are
as if they were textually inserted in the present Act, and that they are
thus placed under the guarantee of their said Majesties.</P>
thus placed under the guarantee of their said Majesties.</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>ARTICLE III</P>
<center>ARTICLE III</center>


<P>The union which has existed between Holland and Belgium, in virtue of
<br><br>The union which has existed between Holland and Belgium, in virtue of
the Treaty of Vienna, of the 31st of May, 1815, is acknowledged by His Majesty
the Treaty of Vienna, of the 31st of May, 1815, is acknowledged by His Majesty
the King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, to be dissolved.</P>
the King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, to be dissolved.</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>ARTICLE IV</P>
<center>ARTICLE IV</center>


<P>The present Treaty shall be ratified, and the ratifications shall be
<br><br>The present Treaty shall be ratified, and the ratifications shall be
exchanged at London at the expiration of six weeks, or sooner, if possible.
exchanged at London at the expiration of six weeks, or sooner, if possible.
The exchange of these ratifications shall take place at the same time as
The exchange of these ratifications shall take place at the same time as
that of the ratifications of the Treaty between Holland and Belgium.</P>
that of the ratifications of the Treaty between Holland and Belgium.</center>


<P>In witness whereof, the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed the
<br><br>In witness whereof, the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed the
present Treaty, and have affixed thereto the seal of their Arms.</P>
present Treaty, and have affixed thereto the seal of their Arms.</center>


<P>Done at London, the nineteenth day of April, in the year of Our Lord
<br><br>Done at London, the nineteenth day of April, in the year of Our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine.</P>
one thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine.</center>


<BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
   <BLOCKQUOTE>
   <BLOCKQUOTE>
     <P>(L. S.) PALMERSTON, <BR>
     <br><br>(L. S.) PALMERSTON, <BR>
     (L. S.) SENFFT,<BR>
     (L. S.) SENFFT,<BR>
     (L. S.) H. SEBASTIANI, <BR>
     (L. S.) H. SEBASTIANI, <BR>
     (L. S.) B&Uuml;LOW,<BR>
     (L. S.) B&Uuml;LOW,<BR>
     (L. S.) POZZO DI BORGO, <BR>
     (L. S.) POZZO DI BORGO, <BR>
     (L. S.) DEDEL.</P>
     (L. S.) DEDEL.</center>
   </BLOCKQUOTE>
   </BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>


<P>Annex to the Treaty signed at London, on the 19th of April, 1839, between
<br><br>Annex to the Treaty signed at London, on the 19th of April, 1839, between
Great Britain, Austria, France, Prussia and Russia, on the one part, and
Great Britain, Austria, France, Prussia and Russia, on the one part, and
the Netherlands, on the Other. FOOTNOTE: Of the Twenty-Four Articles annexed
the Netherlands, on the Other. [FOOTNOTE: Of the Twenty-Four Articles annexed
to the treaty only such parts are reproduced here, as are of particular
to the treaty only such parts are reproduced here, as are of particular
interest for the present study. A summary of the contents of all the Twenty-Four
interest for the present study. A summary of the contents of all the Twenty-Four
Articles is given in the footnote of page 48.</P>
Articles is given in the <A HREF="Belgnotes.htm#23">footnote of page 48.</A>]</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>ARTICLE I</P>
<center>ARTICLE I</center>


<P>The Belgian territory shall be composed of the provinces:</P>
<br><br>The Belgian territory shall be composed of the provinces:</center>


<BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
   <BLOCKQUOTE>
   <BLOCKQUOTE>
     <P>South Brabant; <BR>
     <br><br>South Brabant; <BR>
     Li&eacute;ge;<BR>
     Li&eacute;ge;<BR>
     Namur;<BR>
     Namur;<BR>
Line 101: Line 139:
     East Flanders; <BR>
     East Flanders; <BR>
     Antwerp; and <BR>
     Antwerp; and <BR>
     Limburg;</P>
     Limburg;</center>
   </BLOCKQUOTE>
   </BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>


<P>such as they formed part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands constituted
<br><br>such as they formed part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands constituted
in 1815, with the exception of those districts of the province of Limburg
in 1815, with the exception of those districts of the province of Limburg
which are designated in Article IV.</P>
which are designated in Article IV.</center>


<P>The Belgian territory shall, moreover, comprise that part of the Grand
<br><br>The Belgian territory shall, moreover, comprise that part of the Grand
Duchy of Luxembourg which is specified in Article II.</P>
Duchy of Luxembourg which is specified in Article II.</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>ARTICLE II</P>
<center>ARTICLE II</center>


<P>In the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the limits of the Belgian territory
<br><br>In the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the limits of the Belgian territory
shall be such as will be hereinafter described, viz.. . .</P>
shall be such as will be hereinafter described, viz.. . .</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>ARTICLE IV</P>
<center>ARTICLE IV</center>


<P>In execution of that part of Article I which relates to the province
<br><br>In execution of that part of Article I which relates to the province
of Limburg, and in consequence of the cessions of His Majesty the King of
of Limburg, and in consequence of the cessions of His Majesty the King of
the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, makes in Article II, his said
the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, makes in Article II, his said
Majesty shall possess. . . .</P>
Majesty shall possess. . . .</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>ARTICLE VII</P>
<center>ARTICLE VII</center>


<P>Belgium within the limits specified in Articles I, II and IV shall form
<br><br>Belgium within the limits specified in Articles I, II and IV shall form
an independent and perpetually neutral State. It shall be bound to observe
an independent and perpetually neutral State. It shall be bound to observe
such neutrality toward all other States.</P>
such neutrality toward all other States.</center>


<BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
   <BLOCKQUOTE>
   <BLOCKQUOTE>
     <P>(L. S.) PALMERSTON, <BR>
     <br><br>(L. S.) PALMERSTON, <BR>
     (L. S.) SENFFT,<BR>
     (L. S.) SENFFT,<BR>
     (L. S.) H. SEBASTIANI, <BR>
     (L. S.) H. SEBASTIANI, <BR>
     (L. S.) B&Uuml;LOW,<BR>
     (L. S.) B&Uuml;LOW,<BR>
     (L. S.) POZZO DI BORGO, <BR>
     (L. S.) POZZO DI BORGO, <BR>
     (L. S.) DEDEL.</P>
     (L. S.) DEDEL.</center>
   </BLOCKQUOTE>
   </BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>


<P><FONT SIZE=+1>(A Treaty between Holland and Belgium comprising the 24
<br><br><FONT SIZE=+1>(A Treaty between Holland and Belgium comprising the 24
Articles above recited, together with the usual engagement for Peace and
Articles above recited, together with the usual engagement for Peace and
Friendship between the Parties, was also signed by the Plenipotentiaries
Friendship between the Parties, was also signed by the Plenipotentiaries
of those two Powers on the 19th of April; and the ratifications were exchanged
of those two Powers on the 19th of April; and the ratifications were exchanged
at the same time and place as those of the preceding Treaty.).</FONT></P>
at the same time and place as those of the preceding Treaty.).</FONT></center>


<P><FONT SIZE=+1>2. Treaty between Great Britain, Austria, France, Prussia
<br><br><FONT SIZE=+1>2. Treaty between Great Britain, Austria, France, Prussia
and Russia, on the one part, and Belgium, on the other.</FONT></P>
and Russia, on the one part, and Belgium, on the other.</FONT></center>


<P>In the Name of the Most Holy and Indivisible Trinity.</P>
<br><br>In the Name of the Most Holy and Indivisible Trinity.</center>


<P>Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
<br><br>Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
His Majesty the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and Bohemia, His Majesty
His Majesty the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and Bohemia, His Majesty
the King of the French, His Majesty the King of Prussia, and His Majesty
the King of the French, His Majesty the King of Prussia, and His Majesty
Line 165: Line 203:
said Majesty the King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, their
said Majesty the King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, their
said Majesties have named as their Plenipotentiaries, that is to say: *
said Majesties have named as their Plenipotentiaries, that is to say: *
* *</P>
* *</center>


<P>Who, after having communicated to each other their Full Powers, found
<br><br>Who, after having communicated to each other their Full Powers, found
in good and due form, have agreed upon the following Articles:</P>
in good and due form, have agreed upon the following Articles:</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>ARTICLE I</P>
<center>ARTICLE I</center>


<P>Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
<br><br>Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
His Majesty the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and Bohemia, His Majesty
His Majesty the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and Bohemia, His Majesty
the King of the French, His Majesty the King of Prussia, and His Majesty
the King of the French, His Majesty the King of Prussia, and His Majesty
Line 180: Line 218:
Duke of Luxembourg, are considered as having the same force and validity
Duke of Luxembourg, are considered as having the same force and validity
as if they were textually inserted in the present Act, and that they are
as if they were textually inserted in the present Act, and that they are
thus placed under the Guarantee of their said Majesties.</P>
thus placed under the Guarantee of their said Majesties.</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>ARTICLE II</P>
<center>ARTICLE II</center>


<P>The Treaty of the 15th of November, 1831, between their Majesties the
<br><br>The Treaty of the 15th of November, 1831, between their Majesties the
Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Emperor of
Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Emperor of
Austria, King of Hungary and Bohemia, the King of the French, the King of
Austria, King of Hungary and Bohemia, the King of the French, the King of
Prussia, and the Emperor of All the Russias, and His Majesty the King of
Prussia, and the Emperor of All the Russias, and His Majesty the King of
the Belgians, is declared not to be obligatory upon the High Contracting
the Belgians, is declared not to be obligatory upon the High Contracting
Parties.</P>
Parties.</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>ARTICLE III</P>
<center>ARTICLE III</center>


<P>The present treaty shall be ratified, and the Ratifications shall be
<br><br>The present treaty shall be ratified, and the Ratifications shall be
exchanged at London at the expiration of six weeks, or sooner if possible.
exchanged at London at the expiration of six weeks, or sooner if possible.
This exchange shall take place the same time as that of the Ratifications
This exchange shall take place the same time as that of the Ratifications
of the Treaty between Belgium and Holland.</P>
of the Treaty between Belgium and Holland.</center>


<P>In witness whereof, the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed the
<br><br>In witness whereof, the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed the
present Treaty, and have affixed thereto the Seal of their Arms.</P>
present Treaty, and have affixed thereto the Seal of their Arms.</center>


<P>Done at London, the 19th day of April, in the year of Our Lord, 1839.</P>
<br><br>Done at London, the 19th day of April, in the year of Our Lord, 1839.</center>


<BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
   <BLOCKQUOTE>
   <BLOCKQUOTE>
     <P>(L. S.) PALMERSTON, <BR>
     <br><br>(L. S.) PALMERSTON, <BR>
     (L. S.) SENFFT,<BR>
     (L. S.) SENFFT,<BR>
     (L. S.) H. SEBASTIANI, <BR>
     (L. S.) H. SEBASTIANI, <BR>
     (L. S.) B&Uuml;LOW,<BR>
     (L. S.) B&Uuml;LOW,<BR>
     (L. S.) POZZO DI BORGO, <BR>
     (L. S.) POZZO DI BORGO, <BR>
     (L. S.) SYLVAIN VAN DE WEYER.</P>
     (L. S.) SYLVAIN VAN DE WEYER.</center>
   </BLOCKQUOTE>
   </BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>* * *</P>
<center>* * *</center>


<P>Annex to the Treaty signed at London on the 19th of April, 1839, between
<br><br>Annex to the Treaty signed at London on the 19th of April, 1839, between
Great Britain, Austria, France, Prussia and Russia, on the one part, and
Great Britain, Austria, France, Prussia and Russia, on the one part, and
Belgium, on the other part.</P>
Belgium, on the other part.</center>


<P><FONT SIZE=+1>(This annex, signed by the same Plenipotentiaries who signed
<br><br><FONT SIZE=+1>(This annex, signed by the same Plenipotentiaries who signed
the preceding Treaty, is word for word the same as the Annex to the Treaty
the preceding Treaty, is word for word the same as the Annex to the Treaty
between the Five Powers and the King of the Netherlands.)</FONT></P>
between the Five Powers and the King of the Netherlands.)</FONT></center>


<P><A NAME="p207"></A><FONT SIZE=+1>3. Act of accession on the part of the
<br><br><A NAME="p207"></A><FONT SIZE=+1>3. Act of accession on the part of the
Germanic Confederation to the territorial Arrangements concerning the Grand
Germanic Confederation to the territorial Arrangements concerning the Grand
Duchy of Luxembourg contained in the first seven Articles of the Annex to
Duchy of Luxembourg contained in the first seven Articles of the Annex to
the two preceding Treaties.</FONT></P>
the two preceding Treaties.</FONT></center>


<P>The Plenipotentiaries of the Courts of Great Britain, Austria, Belgium,
<br><br>The Plenipotentiaries of the Courts of Great Britain, Austria, Belgium,
France, the Netherlands, Prussia and Russia, having this day, signed the
France, the Netherlands, Prussia and Russia, having this day, signed the
Treaties concluded between the five Courts and His Majesty the King of the
Treaties concluded between the five Courts and His Majesty the King of the
Line 239: Line 277:
Confederation, should be invited to accede in the name of the said Confederation,
Confederation, should be invited to accede in the name of the said Confederation,
to the arrangements concerning the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, which are
to the arrangements concerning the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, which are
contained in the Treaties above mentioned.</P>
contained in the Treaties above mentioned.</center>


<P>In consequence, the Plenipotentiaries of Austria and Prussia, representing
<br><br>In consequence, the Plenipotentiaries of Austria and Prussia, representing
the Diet in virtue of the said Full Powers, declare that the Germanic Confederation
the Diet in virtue of the said Full Powers, declare that the Germanic Confederation
formally accedes to the territorial arrangements concerning the Grand Duchy
formally accedes to the territorial arrangements concerning the Grand Duchy
Line 255: Line 293:
entirely conform to the stipulations contained in the said Articles, which
entirely conform to the stipulations contained in the said Articles, which
are hereinafter inserted word for word, so far as they concern the Germanic
are hereinafter inserted word for word, so far as they concern the Germanic
Confederation .</P>
Confederation .</center>


<P>[Here follow the first seven Articles of the Annex to the two preceding
<br><br>[Here follow the first seven Articles of the Annex to the two preceding
Treaties.]</P>
Treaties.]</center>


<P>The Plenipotentiaries of Great Britain, Belgium, France, the Netherlands,
<br><br>The Plenipotentiaries of Great Britain, Belgium, France, the Netherlands,
Prussia and Russia, in virtue of their Full Powers, formally accept, in
Prussia and Russia, in virtue of their Full Powers, formally accept, in
the name of their respective Courts, the said Accession on the part of the
the name of their respective Courts, the said Accession on the part of the
Germanic Confederation.</P>
Germanic Confederation.</center>


<P>The present Act of Accession shall be ratified by the Courts of Great
<br><br>The present Act of Accession shall be ratified by the Courts of Great
Britain, Austria, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Prussia and Russia,
Britain, Austria, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Prussia and Russia,
and also by the Germanic Confederation, by means of a Decree of the Diet,
and also by the Germanic Confederation, by means of a Decree of the Diet,
Line 271: Line 309:
Acts of Ratification shall be exchanged at London at the expiration of six
Acts of Ratification shall be exchanged at London at the expiration of six
weeks from this date, or sooner if possible, and at the same time as the
weeks from this date, or sooner if possible, and at the same time as the
exchange of the Ratifications of the three Treaties above mentioned.</P>
exchange of the Ratifications of the three Treaties above mentioned.</center>


<P>In witness whereof the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed the present
<br><br>In witness whereof the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed the present
Act of Accession, and have affixed thereto the Seal of their Arms.</P>
Act of Accession, and have affixed thereto the Seal of their Arms.</center>


<P>Done at London, the 19th day of April, in the year of our Lord, 1839.</P>
<br><br>Done at London, the 19th day of April, in the year of our Lord, 1839.</center>


<BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
   <BLOCKQUOTE>
   <BLOCKQUOTE>
     <P>(L. S.) PALMERSTON,<BR>
     <br><br>(L. S.) PALMERSTON,<BR>
     (L. S.) SENFFT,<BR>
     (L. S.) SENFFT,<BR>
     (L. S.) SYLVAIN VAN DE WEYER,<BR>
     (L. S.) SYLVAIN VAN DE WEYER,<BR>
Line 286: Line 324:
     (L. S.) DEDEL,<BR>
     (L. S.) DEDEL,<BR>
     (L. S.) B&Uuml;LOW.<BR>
     (L. S.) B&Uuml;LOW.<BR>
     (L. S.) POZZO DI BORGO,</P>
     (L. S.) POZZO DI BORGO,</center>
     <P>(L. S.) SENFFT,<BR>
     <br><br>(L. S.) SENFFT,<BR>
     (L. S.) B&Uuml;LOW</P>
     (L. S.) B&Uuml;LOW</center>
   </BLOCKQUOTE>
   </BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>


<P><HR ALIGN=LEFT><IMG SRC="images/2.gif" WIDTH="37" HEIGHT="36" ALIGN=
<br><br><HR ALIGN=LEFT><IMG SRC="images/2.gif" WIDTH="37" HEIGHT="36" ALIGN=
"MIDDLE" NATURALSIZEFLAG="3"><FONT SIZE=+1><A HREF="BelgTC.htm#TC">Table
"MIDDLE" NATURALSIZEFLAG="3"><FONT SIZE=+1><A HREF="BelgTC.htm#TC">Table
of Contents</A></FONT></P>
of Contents</A></FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><HR><FONT SIZE=+2>APPENDIX</FONT><BR>
<center><HR><FONT SIZE=+2>APPENDIX</FONT><BR>
<A NAME="B"></A><FONT SIZE=+3>B</FONT></P>
<A NAME="B"></A><FONT SIZE=+3>B</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=+1>TREATY<BR>
<center><FONT SIZE=+1>TREATY<BR>
BETWEEN HER MAJESTY<BR>
BETWEEN HER MAJESTY<BR>
AND THE KING OF PRUSSIA<BR>
AND THE KING OF PRUSSIA<BR>
RELATIVE TO<BR>
RELATIVE TO<BR>
THE INDEPENDENCE AND NEUTRALITY<BR>
THE INDEPENDENCE AND NEUTRALITY<BR>
OF BELGIUM</FONT></P>
OF BELGIUM</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>Signed at London, August 9, 1870</P>
<center>Signed at London, August 9, 1870</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT BY <BR>
<center>PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT BY <BR>
COMMAND OF HER MAJESTY, 1871</P>
COMMAND OF HER MAJESTY, 1871</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>(Ratifications exchanged at London, August 26, 1870)</P>
<center>(Ratifications exchanged at London, August 26, 1870)</center>


<P>Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
<br><br>Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
and His Majesty the King of Prussia, being desirous at the present time
and His Majesty the King of Prussia, being desirous at the present time
of recording in a solemn Act their fixed determination to maintain the independence
of recording in a solemn Act their fixed determination to maintain the independence
Line 324: Line 362:
conditions of the said Quintuple Treaty, shall be subsidiary and accessory
conditions of the said Quintuple Treaty, shall be subsidiary and accessory
to it; and they have accordingly named as their Plenipotentiaries for that
to it; and they have accordingly named as their Plenipotentiaries for that
purpose, that is to say.* * *</P>
purpose, that is to say.* * *</center>


<P>Who, after having communicated to each other their respective full powers,
<br><br>Who, after having communicated to each other their respective full powers,
found in good and due form, have agreed upon and concluded the following
found in good and due form, have agreed upon and concluded the following
Articles:</P>
Articles:</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>ARTICLE I</P>
<center>ARTICLE I</center>


<P>His Majesty the King of Prussia having declared that, notwithstanding
<br><br>His Majesty the King of Prussia having declared that, notwithstanding
the hostilities in which the North German Confederation is engaged with
the hostilities in which the North German Confederation is engaged with
France, it is his fixed determination to respect the neutrality of Belgium,
France, it is his fixed determination to respect the neutrality of Belgium,
Line 342: Line 380:
employing for that purpose her naval and military forces to insure its observance,
employing for that purpose her naval and military forces to insure its observance,
and to maintain, in conjunction with His Prussian Majesty, then and thereafter,
and to maintain, in conjunction with His Prussian Majesty, then and thereafter,
the independence and neutrality of Belgium.</P>
the independence and neutrality of Belgium.</center>


<P>It is clearly understood that Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom
<br><br>It is clearly understood that Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Ireland does not engage herself by this Treaty to take
of Great Britain and Ireland does not engage herself by this Treaty to take
part in any of the general operations of the war now carried on between
part in any of the general operations of the war now carried on between
the North German Confederation and France, beyond the limits of Belgium,
the North German Confederation and France, beyond the limits of Belgium,
as defined in the Treaty between Belgium and the Netherlands of April 19,
as defined in the Treaty between Belgium and the Netherlands of April 19,
1839.</P>
1839.</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>ARTICLE II</P>
<center>ARTICLE II</center>


<P>His Majesty the King of Prussia agrees on his part, in the event provided
<br><br>His Majesty the King of Prussia agrees on his part, in the event provided
for in the foregoing Article, to co-operate with Her Majesty the Queen of
for in the foregoing Article, to co-operate with Her Majesty the Queen of
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, employing his naval and
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, employing his naval and
military forces for the purpose aforesaid; and, the case arising, to concert
military forces for the purpose aforesaid; and, the case arising, to concert
with Her Majesty the measures which shall be taken, separately or in common,
with Her Majesty the measures which shall be taken, separately or in common,
to secure the neutrality and independence of Belgium.</P>
to secure the neutrality and independence of Belgium.</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>ARTICLE III</P>
<center>ARTICLE III</center>


<P>This Treaty shall be binding on the High Contracting Parties during the
<br><br>This Treaty shall be binding on the High Contracting Parties during the
continuance of the present war between the North German Confederation and
continuance of the present war between the North German Confederation and
France, and for twelve months after the ratification of any Treaty of Peace
France, and for twelve months after the ratification of any Treaty of Peace
Line 368: Line 406:
independence and neutrality of Belgium will, so far as the High Contracting
independence and neutrality of Belgium will, so far as the High Contracting
Parties are respectively concerned, continue to rest as heretofore on Article
Parties are respectively concerned, continue to rest as heretofore on Article
I of the Quintuple Treaty of the 19th of April, 1839.</P>
I of the Quintuple Treaty of the 19th of April, 1839.</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>ARTICLE IV</P>
<center>ARTICLE IV</center>


<P>The present Treaty shall be ratified, and the ratifications shall be
<br><br>The present Treaty shall be ratified, and the ratifications shall be
exchanged at London as soon as possible.</P>
exchanged at London as soon as possible.</center>


<P>In witness wherof the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed the same,
<br><br>In witness wherof the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed the same,
and have affixed thereto the seal of their arms.</P>
and have affixed thereto the seal of their arms.</center>


<P>Done at London, the 9th day of August, in the year of our Lord 1870.</P>
<br><br>Done at London, the 9th day of August, in the year of our Lord 1870.</center>


<BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
   <BLOCKQUOTE>
   <BLOCKQUOTE>
     <P>(L. S.) GRANVILLE,<BR>
     <br><br>(L. S.) GRANVILLE,<BR>
     (L. S.) BERNSTORFF.</P>
     (L. S.) BERNSTORFF.</center>
   </BLOCKQUOTE>
   </BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>


<P><HR ALIGN=LEFT><IMG SRC="images/2.gif" WIDTH="37" HEIGHT="36" ALIGN=
<br><br><HR ALIGN=LEFT><IMG SRC="images/2.gif" WIDTH="37" HEIGHT="36" ALIGN=
"MIDDLE" NATURALSIZEFLAG="3"><FONT SIZE=+1><A HREF="BelgTC.htm#TC">Table
"MIDDLE" NATURALSIZEFLAG="3"><FONT SIZE=+1><A HREF="BelgTC.htm#TC">Table
of Contents</A></FONT></P>
of Contents</A></FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><HR><FONT SIZE=+2>APPENDIX</FONT><BR>
<center><HR><FONT SIZE=+2>APPENDIX</FONT><BR>
<A NAME="C"></A><FONT SIZE=+3>C</FONT></P>
<A NAME="C"></A><FONT SIZE=+3>C</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=+1>TREATY<BR>
<center><FONT SIZE=+1>TREATY<BR>
BETWEEN HER MAJESTY<BR>
BETWEEN HER MAJESTY<BR>
AND THE EMPEROR OF THE FRENCH<BR>
AND THE EMPEROR OF THE FRENCH<BR>
RELATIVE TO<BR>
RELATIVE TO<BR>
THE INDEPENDENCE AND NEUTRALITY<BR>
THE INDEPENDENCE AND NEUTRALITY<BR>
OF BELGIUM</FONT></P>
OF BELGIUM</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>Signed at London, August 11, 1870</P>
<center>Signed at London, August 11, 1870</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT BY <BR>
<center>PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT BY <BR>
COMMAND OF HER MAJESTY, 1871</P>
COMMAND OF HER MAJESTY, 1871</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>(Ratifications exchanged at London, August 26, 1870)</P>
<center>(Ratifications exchanged at London, August 26, 1870)</center>


<P>Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
<br><br>Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
and His Majesty the Emperor of the French, being desirous at the present
and His Majesty the Emperor of the French, being desirous at the present
time of recording in a solemn Act their fixed determination to maintain
time of recording in a solemn Act their fixed determination to maintain
Line 419: Line 457:
the conditions of the said Quintuple Treaty, shall be subsidiary and accessory
the conditions of the said Quintuple Treaty, shall be subsidiary and accessory
to it; and they have accordingly named as their Plenipotentiaries for the
to it; and they have accordingly named as their Plenipotentiaries for the
purpose, that is to say: * * *</P>
purpose, that is to say: * * *</center>


<P>Who, after having communicated to each other their respective full powers,
<br><br>Who, after having communicated to each other their respective full powers,
found in good and due form, have agreed upon and concluded the following
found in good and due form, have agreed upon and concluded the following
Articles:</P>
Articles:</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>ARTICLE I</P>
<center>ARTICLE I</center>


<P>His Majesty the Emperor of the French having declared that, notwithstanding
<br><br>His Majesty the Emperor of the French having declared that, notwithstanding
the hostilities in which France is now engaged with the North German Confederation
the hostilities in which France is now engaged with the North German Confederation
and its Allies, it is his fixed determination to respect the neutrality
and its Allies, it is his fixed determination to respect the neutrality
Line 438: Line 476:
employing for that purpose her naval and military forces to insure its observance,
employing for that purpose her naval and military forces to insure its observance,
and to maintain, in conjunction with His Imperial Majesty, then and thereafter,
and to maintain, in conjunction with His Imperial Majesty, then and thereafter,
the independence and neutrality of Belgium.</P>
the independence and neutrality of Belgium.</center>


<P>It is clearly understood that Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom
<br><br>It is clearly understood that Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Ireland does not engage herself by this Treaty to take
of Great Britain and Ireland does not engage herself by this Treaty to take
part in any of the general operations of the war now carried on between
part in any of the general operations of the war now carried on between
France and the North German Confederation and its Allies, beyond the limits
France and the North German Confederation and its Allies, beyond the limits
of Belgium, as defined in the Treaty between Belgium and the Netherlands
of Belgium, as defined in the Treaty between Belgium and the Netherlands
of April 19, 1839.</P>
of April 19, 1839.</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>ARTICLE II</P>
<center>ARTICLE II</center>


<P>His Majesty the Emperor of the French agrees on his part, in the event
<br><br>His Majesty the Emperor of the French agrees on his part, in the event
provided for in the foregoing Article, to co-operate with Her Majesty the
provided for in the foregoing Article, to co-operate with Her Majesty the
Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, employing his
Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, employing his
naval and military forces for the purpose aforesaid; and, the case arising,
naval and military forces for the purpose aforesaid; and, the case arising,
to concert with Her Majesty the measures which shall be taken, separately
to concert with Her Majesty the measures which shall be taken, separately
or in common, to secure the neutrality and independence of Belgium.</P>
or in common, to secure the neutrality and independence of Belgium.</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>ARTICLE III</P>
<center>ARTICLE III</center>


<P>This Treaty shall be binding on the High Contracting Parties during the
<br><br>This Treaty shall be binding on the High Contracting Parties during the
continuance of the present war between France and the North German Confederation
continuance of the present war between France and the North German Confederation
and its Allies, and for twelve months after the ratification of any Treaty
and its Allies, and for twelve months after the ratification of any Treaty
Line 464: Line 502:
time the independence and neutrality Of Belgium will, so far as the High
time the independence and neutrality Of Belgium will, so far as the High
Contracting Parties are respectively concerned, continue to rest, as heretofore,
Contracting Parties are respectively concerned, continue to rest, as heretofore,
on Article I of the Quintuple Treaty of the 19th of April, 1839.</P>
on Article I of the Quintuple Treaty of the 19th of April, 1839.</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>ARTICLE IV</P>
<center>ARTICLE IV</center>


<P>The present Treaty shall be ratified, and the ratifications shall be
<br><br>The present Treaty shall be ratified, and the ratifications shall be
exchanged at London as soon as possible.</P>
exchanged at London as soon as possible.</center>


<P>In witness whereof the respect[ive] Plenipotentiaries have signed the
<br><br>In witness whereof the respect[ive] Plenipotentiaries have signed the
same, and have affixed thereto the seal of their arms.</P>
same, and have affixed thereto the seal of their arms.</center>


<P>Done at London, the 11th day of August, in the year of our Lord, 1870.</P>
<br><br>Done at London, the 11th day of August, in the year of our Lord, 1870.</center>


<BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
   <BLOCKQUOTE>
   <BLOCKQUOTE>
     <P>(L. S.) GRANVILLE, <BR>
     <br><br>(L. S.) GRANVILLE, <BR>
     (L. S.) LA VALETTE.</P>
     (L. S.) LA VALETTE.</center>
   </BLOCKQUOTE>
   </BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>


<P><HR ALIGN=LEFT><IMG SRC="images/2.gif" WIDTH="37" HEIGHT="36" ALIGN=
<br><br><HR ALIGN=LEFT><IMG SRC="images/2.gif" WIDTH="37" HEIGHT="36" ALIGN=
"MIDDLE" NATURALSIZEFLAG="3"><FONT SIZE=+1><A HREF="BelgTC.htm#TC">Table
"MIDDLE" NATURALSIZEFLAG="3"><FONT SIZE=+1><A HREF="BelgTC.htm#TC">Table
of Contents</A></FONT></P>
of Contents</A></FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><HR><FONT SIZE=+2>APPENDIX</FONT><BR>
<center><HR><FONT SIZE=+2>APPENDIX</FONT><BR>
<A NAME="D"></A><FONT SIZE=+3>D</FONT></P>
<A NAME="D"></A><FONT SIZE=+3>D</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=+2>THE FRENCH PLAN OF CAMPAIGN</FONT></P>
<center><FONT SIZE=+2>THE FRENCH PLAN OF CAMPAIGN</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>(From the North German Gazette of September 30, 1914)</P>
<center>(From the North German Gazette of September 30, 1914)</center>


<P>The plans for the general French advance against the German forces were
<br><br>The plans for the general French advance against the German forces were
found among the papers of a French officer, captured near Verdun. They are
found among the papers of a French officer, captured near Verdun. They are
as follows:</P>
as follows:</center>


<P>First Army, consisting of the I, II, III and X army-corps, concentrates
<br><br>First Army, consisting of the I, II, III and X army-corps, concentrates
at Maubeuge;</P>
at Maubeuge;</center>


<P>Second Army, consisting of the IX, XI, IV and. VI army-corps,. concentrates
<br><br>Second Army, consisting of the IX, XI, IV and. VI army-corps,. concentrates
at Verdun;</P>
at Verdun;</center>


<P>Third Army, consisting of the XX, V. and VIII army-corps, concentrates
<br><br>Third Army, consisting of the XX, V. and VIII army-corps, concentrates
at Toul;</P>
at Toul;</center>


<P>Fourth Army, consisting of the XIII, XII, XVII and XVIII army-corps,
<br><br>Fourth Army, consisting of the XIII, XII, XVII and XVIII army-corps,
concentrates at Epinal;</P>
concentrates at Epinal;</center>


<P>Fifth Army, consisting of the VII, XIV, XV and XVI army-corps, concentrates
<br><br>Fifth Army, consisting of the VII, XIV, XV and XVI army-corps, concentrates
at Belfort.</P>
at Belfort.</center>


<P>The First Army unites with the English and Belgian forces, and. after
<br><br>The First Army unites with the English and Belgian forces, and. after
marching through Belgium, occupies Cologne and Coblenz, and opposes the
marching through Belgium, occupies Cologne and Coblenz, and opposes the
German forces advancing from Northern Germany.</P>
German forces advancing from Northern Germany.</center>


<P>The Second Army has to occupy Metz, and, after having accomplished this,
<br><br>The Second Army has to occupy Metz, and, after having accomplished this,
turns towards Saarlouis and Coblenz, where it will join with the First Army.</P>
turns towards Saarlouis and Coblenz, where it will join with the First Army.</center>


<P>The Third Army penetrates Lorraine, occupies the northern part of the
<br><br>The Third Army penetrates Lorraine, occupies the northern part of the
Vosges, and will then take up a position before Strassburg.</P>
Vosges, and will then take up a position before Strassburg.</center>


<P>The Fourth Army occupies the remainder of the Vosges and afterwards follows
<br><br>The Fourth Army occupies the remainder of the Vosges and afterwards follows
the advance of the other Armies as reserve reinforcement.</P>
the advance of the other Armies as reserve reinforcement.</center>


<P>The Fifth Army will storm Altkirch and Muehlhausen, and then remove towards
<br><br>The Fifth Army will storm Altkirch and Muehlhausen, and then remove towards
Strassburg, which is to be taken, after which it joins the Third Army.</P>
Strassburg, which is to be taken, after which it joins the Third Army.</center>


<P>After which there will remain only three armies, that is to say:</P>
<br><br>After which there will remain only three armies, that is to say:</center>


<P>Army A in Coblenz,<BR>
<br><br>Army A in Coblenz,<BR>
Army C in Strassburg,<BR>
Army C in Strassburg,<BR>
Army D in reserve.</P>
Army D in reserve.</center>


<P><HR ALIGN=LEFT><IMG SRC="images/2.gif" WIDTH="37" HEIGHT="36" ALIGN=
<br><br><HR ALIGN=LEFT><IMG SRC="images/2.gif" WIDTH="37" HEIGHT="36" ALIGN=
"MIDDLE" NATURALSIZEFLAG="3"><FONT SIZE=+1><A HREF="BelgTC.htm#TC">Table
"MIDDLE" NATURALSIZEFLAG="3"><FONT SIZE=+1><A HREF="BelgTC.htm#TC">Table
of Contents</A></FONT></P>
of Contents</A></FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><HR><FONT SIZE=+2>APPENDIX</FONT><BR>
<center><HR><FONT SIZE=+2>APPENDIX</FONT><BR>
<A NAME="E"></A><FONT SIZE=+3>E</FONT></P>
<A NAME="E"></A><FONT SIZE=+3>E</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=+1>EXTRACT FROM THE SPEECH OF THE<BR>
<center><FONT SIZE=+1>EXTRACT FROM THE SPEECH OF THE<BR>
IMPERIAL CHANCELLOR,<BR>
IMPERIAL CHANCELLOR,<BR>
DR. VON BETHMANN HOLLWEG</FONT></P>
DR. VON BETHMANN HOLLWEG</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>GIVEN IN THE REICHSTAG, ON AUGUST 4, 1914</P>
<center>GIVEN IN THE REICHSTAG, ON AUGUST 4, 1914</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>(Translated from the Supplement to the North German Gazette
<center>(Translated from the Supplement to the North German Gazette
of August 9, 1914)</P>
of August 9, 1914)</center>


<P>&quot;Gentlemen: We are, at present, in a state of legitimate defense
<br><br>&quot;Gentlemen: We are, at present, in a state of legitimate defense
and necessity knows no law! [FOOTNOTE: This translation does not render
and necessity knows no law! [FOOTNOTE: This translation does not render
exactly the German original <I>&quot;Wir sind jetzt in Notwehr; und Not
exactly the German original <I>&quot;Wir sind jetzt in Notwehr; und Not
Line 566: Line 604:
we shall try to make good as soon as our military aim is attained. Whoever
we shall try to make good as soon as our military aim is attained. Whoever
is threatened as we are, is not allowed to have any other consideration
is threatened as we are, is not allowed to have any other consideration
beyond that how he will hack his way through!&quot;</P>
beyond that how he will hack his way through!&quot;</center>


<P><HR ALIGN=LEFT><IMG SRC="images/2.gif" WIDTH="37" HEIGHT="36" ALIGN=
<br><br><HR ALIGN=LEFT><IMG SRC="images/2.gif" WIDTH="37" HEIGHT="36" ALIGN=
"MIDDLE" NATURALSIZEFLAG="3"><FONT SIZE=+1><A HREF="BelgTC.htm#TC">Table
"MIDDLE" NATURALSIZEFLAG="3"><FONT SIZE=+1><A HREF="BelgTC.htm#TC">Table
of Contents</A></FONT></P>
of Contents</A></FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><HR><FONT SIZE=+2>APPENDIX</FONT><BR>
<center><HR><FONT SIZE=+2>APPENDIX</FONT><BR>
<A NAME="F"></A><FONT SIZE=+3>F</FONT></P>
<A NAME="F"></A><FONT SIZE=+3>F</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=+1>FAC-SIMILE REPRODUCTIONS OF THE<BR>
<center><FONT SIZE=+1>FAC-SIMILE REPRODUCTIONS OF THE<BR>
&quot;BRUSSELS DOCUMENTS&quot;</FONT></P>
&quot;BRUSSELS DOCUMENTS&quot;</FONT></center>


<P>a. <A HREF="images/Belg1.jpg">The original cover</A>, in which the report
<br><br>a. <A HREF="images/Belg1.jpg">The original cover</A>, in which the report
of General Ducarne was found.</P>
of General Ducarne was found.</center>


<P>b.<I> </I><A HREF="images/Belg2.gif">The report</A> of General Ducarne
<br><br>b.<I> </I><A HREF="images/Belg2.gif">The report</A> of General Ducarne
to the Belgian Minister of War, concerning his military conversations with
to the Belgian Minister of War, concerning his military conversations with
the British Lieutenant-Colonel Barnardiston.</P>
the British Lieutenant-Colonel Barnardiston.</center>


<P>c. The Minutes of the military conversations between General Jungbluth
<br><br>c. The Minutes of the military conversations between General Jungbluth
and the British Lieutenant-Colonel Bridges. [<A HREF="images/Belg3a.gif">page
and the British Lieutenant-Colonel Bridges. [<A HREF="images/Belg3a.gif">page
one</A>, <A HREF="images/Belg3b.gif">page two</A>, <A HREF="images/Belg3c.gif">page
one</A>, <A HREF="images/Belg3b.gif">page two</A>, <A HREF="images/Belg3c.gif">page
three</A>, <A HREF="images/Belg3d.gif">page four</A>]</P>
three</A>, <A HREF="images/Belg3d.gif">page four</A>]</center>


<P><HR ALIGN=LEFT><IMG SRC="images/2.gif" WIDTH="37" HEIGHT="36" ALIGN=
<br><br><HR ALIGN=LEFT><IMG SRC="images/2.gif" WIDTH="37" HEIGHT="36" ALIGN=
"MIDDLE" NATURALSIZEFLAG="3"><FONT SIZE=+1><A HREF="BelgTC.htm#TC">Table
"MIDDLE" NATURALSIZEFLAG="3"><FONT SIZE=+1><A HREF="BelgTC.htm#TC">Table
of Contents</A></FONT></P>
of Contents</A></FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><HR><FONT SIZE=+2>APPENDIX</FONT><BR>
<center><HR><FONT SIZE=+2>APPENDIX</FONT><BR>
<A NAME="G"></A><FONT SIZE=+3>G</FONT></P>
<A NAME="G"></A><FONT SIZE=+3>G</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=+1>ENGLAND AND BELGIUM</FONT></P>
<center><FONT SIZE=+1>ENGLAND AND BELGIUM</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=+1>NEW DOCUMENTS CONCERNING ENGLAND'S BREACH
<center><FONT SIZE=+1>NEW DOCUMENTS CONCERNING ENGLAND'S BREACH
OF NEUTRALITY</FONT></P>
OF NEUTRALITY</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>(From the North German Gazette of December 2, 1914)</P>
<center>(From the North German Gazette of December 2, 1914)</center>


<P>Further proofs have been found that England, in cooperation with Belgium,
<br><br>Further proofs have been found that England, in cooperation with Belgium,
had prepared the war against Germany already during peace time to the utmost,
had prepared the war against Germany already during peace time to the utmost,
not only in a diplomatic but also in a military way. Recently, our troops
not only in a diplomatic but also in a military way. Recently, our troops
seized some secret military guide-books about Belgium, edited by the British
seized some secret military guide-books about Belgium, edited by the British
General Army Staff, entitled: &quot;Belgium, Road and River Reports, prepared
General Army Staff, entitled: &quot;Belgium, Road and River Reports, prepared
by the General Staff, War Office.&quot;</P>
by the General Staff, War Office.&quot;</center>


<P>We are in possession of four volumes of this handbook, of which volume
<br><br>We are in possession of four volumes of this handbook, of which volume
I was printed in 1912, volume 2 in 1913, volume 3 (in two parts) and volume
I was printed in 1912, volume 2 in 1913, volume 3 (in two parts) and volume
4 in 1914.</P>
4 in 1914.</center>


<P>They show the following imprint: <I>&quot;Confidential. This book is
<br><br>They show the following imprint: <I>&quot;Confidential. This book is
the property of the British Government and is to be used for the personal
the property of the British Government and is to be used for the personal
information of . . . . . . . who himself is responsible for the safe keeping
information of . . . . . . . who himself is responsible for the safe keeping
of the book. The contents are to be revealed to authorized persons only.&quot;</I></P>
of the book. The contents are to be revealed to authorized persons only.&quot;</I></center>


<P>The handbook contains evidences of military investigations in the minutest
<br><br>The handbook contains evidences of military investigations in the minutest
and most exact descriptions of the territory. The introduction reads as
and most exact descriptions of the territory. The introduction reads as
follows: &quot;These reports can give only the condition of the roads at
follows: &quot;These reports can give only the condition of the roads at
the time in which they were investigated. It will always be advisable to
the time in which they were investigated. It will always be advisable to
investigate them again before they are used, in order to make sure that
investigate them again before they are used, in order to make sure that
they are not closed on account of repairs, pipe laying,&quot; etc.</P>
they are not closed on account of repairs, pipe laying,&quot; etc.</center>


<P>Thus, for instance, in volume 1, page 130 and following, the great highroad,
<br><br>Thus, for instance, in volume 1, page 130 and following, the great highroad,
Nieuport-Dixmude-Ypres-Menin-Tourcoing-Tournai, is described and accompanied
Nieuport-Dixmude-Ypres-Menin-Tourcoing-Tournai, is described and accompanied
by maps, with special regard to quality of the roads, the surrounding country,
by maps, with special regard to quality of the roads, the surrounding country,
Line 636: Line 674:
telegraph stations, railway stations, including length of platforms and
telegraph stations, railway stations, including length of platforms and
landing places; branch lines, oil tanks, etc. It is always mentioned whether
landing places; branch lines, oil tanks, etc. It is always mentioned whether
the population speaks partly or altogether French.</P>
the population speaks partly or altogether French.</center>


<P>As an illustration we may cite the tactical remarks about Dixmude on
<br><br>As an illustration we may cite the tactical remarks about Dixmude on
page 151:</P>
page 151:</center>


<BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
   <P>It will be difficult to take Dixmude from the north or from the south.
   <br><br>It will be difficult to take Dixmude from the north or from the south.
   The best position for defense against attacks from the south would be the
   The best position for defense against attacks from the south would be the
   railway embankment in the west as far as the street, to the east a number
   railway embankment in the west as far as the street, to the east a number
Line 652: Line 690:
   Point of observation, the mill of Reencheek permitting of a free panoramic
   Point of observation, the mill of Reencheek permitting of a free panoramic
   view; also the Koelberg, seven and one-half miles distant from Ypres, with
   view; also the Koelberg, seven and one-half miles distant from Ypres, with
   outlook toward the east and south.</P>
   outlook toward the east and south.</center>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>


<P>It may be mentioned that the church towers are usually mentioned as good
<br><br>It may be mentioned that the church towers are usually mentioned as good
observation points.</P>
observation points.</center>


<P>In a similar detailed manner the entire course of the Scheldt, with all
<br><br>In a similar detailed manner the entire course of the Scheldt, with all
tributaries, villages, landings, opportunities for crossing, widths and
tributaries, villages, landings, opportunities for crossing, widths and
depths, bridges, supply of boats, etc., is described.</P>
depths, bridges, supply of boats, etc., is described.</center>


<P>Thus the handbooks form an excellent guide for the army leader, the officer
<br><br>Thus the handbooks form an excellent guide for the army leader, the officer
of the general staff and for officers second in command. To the book are
of the general staff and for officers second in command. To the book are
added:</P>
added:</center>


<P>First---A schedule containing information about communities and villages
<br><br>First---A schedule containing information about communities and villages
for purposes of billeting; furthermore, instructions regarding transportation
for purposes of billeting; furthermore, instructions regarding transportation
and all other items which may be needed by the local commander.</P>
and all other items which may be needed by the local commander.</center>


<P>Second---A number of important hints to aviators for that part of Belgium
<br><br>Second---A number of important hints to aviators for that part of Belgium
which is situated south of the line Charleroi-Namur-Li&eacute;ge as well
which is situated south of the line Charleroi-Namur-Li&eacute;ge as well
as for the surroundings of Brussels.</P>
as for the surroundings of Brussels.</center>


<P>This very carefully and comprehensively drawn memorandum is supplemented
<br><br>This very carefully and comprehensively drawn memorandum is supplemented
by a map showing the landing places. It bears the inscription &quot;Secret&quot;
by a map showing the landing places. It bears the inscription &quot;Secret&quot;
and is dated July, 1914.</P>
and is dated July, 1914.</center>


<P>These military geographical handbooks cannot be supposed to have been
<br><br>These military geographical handbooks cannot be supposed to have been
written shortly before or during the war. That would, aside from putting
written shortly before or during the war. That would, aside from putting
them in print, have been impossible. The material for the work has, on the
them in print, have been impossible. The material for the work has, on the
contrary, as may be seen from remarks in the different parts, been collected
contrary, as may be seen from remarks in the different parts, been collected
since 1909. The first volume was printed in 1912.</P>
since 1909. The first volume was printed in 1912.</center>


<P>The manuals therefore prove a minute preparation carried on during the
<br><br>The manuals therefore prove a minute preparation carried on during the
last five years for an English campaign in neutral Belgium. They are nothing
last five years for an English campaign in neutral Belgium. They are nothing
else but secret regulations of military service for an English army fighting
else but secret regulations of military service for an English army fighting
in Belgium. The English general staff therefore since long time prepared
in Belgium. The English general staff therefore since long time prepared
themselves for this event and foresaw the same so surely that they undertook
themselves for this event and foresaw the same so surely that they undertook
the painstaking work of compiling these military handbooks.</P>
the painstaking work of compiling these military handbooks.</center>


<P>Without ready and far-reaching assistance on the part of the Belgian
<br><br>Without ready and far-reaching assistance on the part of the Belgian
government and military authorities such at work would not have been possible.
government and military authorities such at work would not have been possible.
Those strategical and tactical reports, going into the minutest details,
Those strategical and tactical reports, going into the minutest details,
Line 700: Line 738:
the Belgian government. Without doubt official Belgium material has been
the Belgian government. Without doubt official Belgium material has been
used. It is made suitable for English purposes or at many places simply
used. It is made suitable for English purposes or at many places simply
translated into English!</P>
translated into English!</center>


<P>Very extensively, indeed, England and Belgium had prepared themselves
<br><br>Very extensively, indeed, England and Belgium had prepared themselves
together during times of peace for military co-operation. Belgium in political
together during times of peace for military co-operation. Belgium in political
as well as in military matters was nothing but a vassal state of England.
as well as in military matters was nothing but a vassal state of England.
The indignation which England today is putting tip before the world because
The indignation which England today is putting tip before the world because
of Germany's so-called breach of neutrality is made altogether meaningless
of Germany's so-called breach of neutrality is made altogether meaningless
and unjust by those documents.</P>
and unjust by those documents.</center>


<P>When on account of our operations at the coast the English and French
<br><br>When on account of our operations at the coast the English and French
press remarked sneeringly that we were not sufficiently instructed about
press remarked sneeringly that we were not sufficiently instructed about
the dangers of the inundation district in the so-called &quot;Polderland&quot;
the dangers of the inundation district in the so-called &quot;Polderland&quot;
they were right in so far as before the beginning of the war we did not
they were right in so far as before the beginning of the war we did not
know Belgian territorial conditions any better than may be learned from
know Belgian territorial conditions any better than may be learned from
sources obtainable in the book market.</P>
sources obtainable in the book market.</center>


<P>The English reconnoitering reports and the excellent maps, therefore,
<br><br>The English reconnoitering reports and the excellent maps, therefore,
were very valuable booty for us. We were able to make immediate use of this
were very valuable booty for us. We were able to make immediate use of this
remarkable material and thus could fight England with her own weapons. That
remarkable material and thus could fight England with her own weapons. That
should be the best indication of the importance of our enemies' painstaking
should be the best indication of the importance of our enemies' painstaking
labor.</P>
labor.</center>


<P><HR ALIGN=LEFT><IMG SRC="images/2.gif" WIDTH="37" HEIGHT="36" ALIGN=
<br><br><HR ALIGN=LEFT><IMG SRC="images/2.gif" WIDTH="37" HEIGHT="36" ALIGN=
"MIDDLE" NATURALSIZEFLAG="3"><FONT SIZE=+1><A HREF="BelgTC.htm#TC">Table
"MIDDLE" NATURALSIZEFLAG="3"><FONT SIZE=+1><A HREF="BelgTC.htm#TC">Table
of Contents</A></FONT></P>
of Contents</A></FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><HR><FONT SIZE=+2>APPENDIX</FONT><BR>
<center><HR><FONT SIZE=+2>APPENDIX</FONT><BR>
<A NAME="H"></A><FONT SIZE=+3>H</FONT></P>
<A NAME="H"></A><FONT SIZE=+3>H</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=+1>HOW ENGLAND PLAYED WITH BELGIAN<BR>
<center><FONT SIZE=+1>HOW ENGLAND PLAYED WITH BELGIAN<BR>
NEUTRALITY</FONT></P>
NEUTRALITY</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>(From the North German Gazette of December 15, 194)</P>
<center>(From the North German Gazette of December 15, 194)</center>


<P>New and convincing evidence with reference to the Anglo-Belgian complicity
<br><br>New and convincing evidence with reference to the Anglo-Belgian complicity
has been found. Some time ago there was detained in Brussels the British
has been found. Some time ago there was detained in Brussels the British
Secretary of Legation, Grant-Watson, who had remained in the British Legation
Secretary of Legation, Grant-Watson, who had remained in the British Legation
Line 740: Line 778:
This Grant-Watson has been caught in the act of disposing of a number of
This Grant-Watson has been caught in the act of disposing of a number of
documents which he at the time of his detention had taken with him from
documents which he at the time of his detention had taken with him from
the Legation.</P>
the Legation.</center>


<P>An investigation of these documents showed that they were of the most
<br><br>An investigation of these documents showed that they were of the most
intimate kind, containing exact information, of the years 1913 and 1914,
intimate kind, containing exact information, of the years 1913 and 1914,
about the Belgian mobilization plans and about the defense of Antwerp. Among
about the Belgian mobilization plans and about the defense of Antwerp. Among
Line 748: Line 786:
with fac-simile signatures of the Belgian Minister of War and the Belgian
with fac-simile signatures of the Belgian Minister of War and the Belgian
General Staff. Furthermore, a report of a session of the &quot;commission
General Staff. Furthermore, a report of a session of the &quot;commission
for the provisions base at Antwerp&quot; of May 27, 1913, was found.</P>
for the provisions base at Antwerp&quot; of May 27, 1913, was found.</center>


<P>The fact that these documents had been at the British Legation sufficiently
<br><br>The fact that these documents had been at the British Legation sufficiently
proves that the Belgian Government in military matters had no secrets from
proves that the Belgian Government in military matters had no secrets from
the British Government and that those two governments had a continuous and
the British Government and that those two governments had a continuous and
most intimate understanding in military matters.</P>
most intimate understanding in military matters.</center>


<P>Of especial interest is also a handwritten note which was found with
<br><br>Of especial interest is also a handwritten note which was found with
the papers and for the destruction of which the British Secretary was very
the papers and for the destruction of which the British Secretary was very
anxious. It was of the following tenor:</P>
anxious. It was of the following tenor:</center>


<BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
   <P ALIGN=CENTER>RENSEIGNEMENTS</P>
   <center>RENSEIGNEMENTS</center>
   <P>(1) Les officiers fran&ccedil;ais ont re&ccedil;u ordre de rejoindre
   <br><br>(1) Les officiers fran&ccedil;ais ont re&ccedil;u ordre de rejoindre
   d&egrave;s le 27, apr&egrave;s-midi.</P>
   d&egrave;s le 27, apr&egrave;s-midi.</center>
   <P>(2) Le m&ecirc;me jour le chef de Gare de Feignies a re&ccedil;u ordre
   <br><br>(2) Le m&ecirc;me jour le chef de Gare de Feignies a re&ccedil;u ordre
   de concentrer vers Maubeuge tous les wagons ferm&eacute;s disponibles en
   de concentrer vers Maubeuge tous les wagons ferm&eacute;s disponibles en
   vue de transport de troupes.</P>
   vue de transport de troupes.</center>
   <P>Communiqu&eacute; par la Brigade de gendarmerie de Frameries.</P>
   <br><br>Communiqu&eacute; par la Brigade de gendarmerie de Frameries.</center>
   <P ALIGN=CENTER>INFORMATION</P>
   <center>INFORMATION</center>
   <P>(1) The French officers have received order to rejoin on the 27th in
   <br><br>(1) The French officers have received order to rejoin on the 27th in
   the afternoon.</P>
   the afternoon.</center>
   <P>(2) The same day the station master at Feignies has received order to
   <br><br>(2) The same day the station master at Feignies has received order to
   concentrate toward Maubeuge all available closed railway cars in view of
   concentrate toward Maubeuge all available closed railway cars in view of
   transport of troops.</P>
   transport of troops.</center>
   <P>Communicated by the brigade de gendarmerie at Frameries.</P>
   <br><br>Communicated by the brigade de gendarmerie at Frameries.</center>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>


<P>It is of interest to note that Feignies is a railway station on the Maubeuge-Mons
<br><br>It is of interest to note that Feignies is a railway station on the Maubeuge-Mons
line, about three kilometers from the Franco-Belgian boundary.</P>
line, about three kilometers from the Franco-Belgian boundary.</center>


<P>From this note we learn that France as early as July 27 had taken her
<br><br>From this note we learn that France as early as July 27 had taken her
first mobilization measures and that the English Legation received notice
first mobilization measures and that the English Legation received notice
of this fact immediately from the Belgian Government.</P>
of this fact immediately from the Belgian Government.</center>


<P>If there were any need for further proof of the relations which existed
<br><br>If there were any need for further proof of the relations which existed
between England and Belgium the material found would be a valuable supplement
between England and Belgium the material found would be a valuable supplement
in that respect.</P>
in that respect.</center>


<P>It shows again that Belgium had abandoned her neutrality in favor of
<br><br>It shows again that Belgium had abandoned her neutrality in favor of
the entente and that she had become an active member of that coalition,
the entente and that she had become an active member of that coalition,
which was formed for the purpose of fighting Germany. For England, however,
which was formed for the purpose of fighting Germany. For England, however,
Line 795: Line 833:
Government used the violation of Belgian neutrality by Germany as a pretext
Government used the violation of Belgian neutrality by Germany as a pretext
only in order to make the world and the English people believe that her
only in order to make the world and the English people believe that her
cause for the war was a just one.</P>
cause for the war was a just one.</center>


<P><HR ALIGN=LEFT><IMG SRC="images/2.gif" WIDTH="37" HEIGHT="36" ALIGN=
<br><br><HR ALIGN=LEFT><IMG SRC="images/2.gif" WIDTH="37" HEIGHT="36" ALIGN=
"MIDDLE" NATURALSIZEFLAG="3"><FONT SIZE=+1><A HREF="BelgTC.htm#TC">Table
"MIDDLE" NATURALSIZEFLAG="3"><FONT SIZE=+1><A HREF="BelgTC.htm#TC">Table
of Contents</A></FONT></P>
of Contents</A></FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><HR><FONT SIZE=+2>APPENDIX</FONT><BR>
<center><HR><FONT SIZE=+2>APPENDIX</FONT><BR>
<A NAME="I"></A><FONT SIZE=+3>I</FONT></P>
<A NAME="I"></A><FONT SIZE=+3>I</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=+1>EXTRACT FROM THE SPEECH OF THE<BR>
<center><FONT SIZE=+1>EXTRACT FROM THE SPEECH OF THE<BR>
IMPERIAL CHANCELLOR</FONT></P>
IMPERIAL CHANCELLOR</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=+1>MADE IN THE GERMAN REICHSTAG, ON DECEMBER
<center><FONT SIZE=+1>MADE IN THE GERMAN REICHSTAG, ON DECEMBER
2, 1914.</FONT></P>
2, 1914.</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>(From the North German Gazette of Dec. 3, 1914)</P>
<center>(From the North German Gazette of Dec. 3, 1914)</center>


<P>Belgium's neutrality which England pretended to be shielding is nothing
<br><br>Belgium's neutrality which England pretended to be shielding is nothing
but a mask.</P>
but a mask.</center>


<P>On August 2, at 7 P. m., we informed Brussels that France's plan of campaign,
<br><br>On August 2, at 7 P. m., we informed Brussels that France's plan of campaign,
known to us, compelled us, for reasons of self-preservation, to march through
known to us, compelled us, for reasons of self-preservation, to march through
Belgium. But the same afternoon already, that is to say before anything
Belgium. But the same afternoon already, that is to say before anything
Line 825: Line 863:
the difficulties in the transmission of telegrams prevailing at that time,
the difficulties in the transmission of telegrams prevailing at that time,
was not known to me in full on August 4---and it is confirmed by the Blue
was not known to me in full on August 4---and it is confirmed by the Blue
Book, issued by the British Government.</P>
Book, issued by the British Government.</center>


<P><A NAME="p228"></A>How then can England pretend that she drew the sword
<br><br><A NAME="p228"></A>How then can England pretend that she drew the sword
because we violated Belgium's neutrality?</P>
because we violated Belgium's neutrality?</center>


<P>How could British statesmen, who accurately knew the past, talk of Belgian
<br><br>How could British statesmen, who accurately knew the past, talk of Belgian
neutrality at all?</P>
neutrality at all?</center>


<P>When on August 4, 1 referred to the wrong we were doing in marching through
<br><br>When on August 4, 1 referred to the wrong we were doing in marching through
Belgium it was not yet known for certain whether in the hour of affliction
Belgium it was not yet known for certain whether in the hour of affliction
the Brussels Government would not decide after all to spare the country
the Brussels Government would not decide after all to spare the country
Line 840: Line 878:
Government, at the request of our Army Administration, you will understand
Government, at the request of our Army Administration, you will understand
that, on August 4, for military reasons, the possibility for such a development
that, on August 4, for military reasons, the possibility for such a development
had to be kept open under all circumstances.</P>
had to be kept open under all circumstances.</center>


<P>Even then the guilt of the Belgian Government was apparent from many
<br><br>Even then the guilt of the Belgian Government was apparent from many
a sign. I had not yet any positive documentary proofs thereof at my disposal,
a sign. I had not yet any positive documentary proofs thereof at my disposal,
but the British statesmen were perfectly familiar with those proofs.</P>
but the British statesmen were perfectly familiar with those proofs.</center>


<P>The documents which, in the meantime, have been found at Brussels, and
<br><br>The documents which, in the meantime, have been found at Brussels, and
which have been given publicity by me, prove and establish in what way and
which have been given publicity by me, prove and establish in what way and
to what degree Belgium had surrendered her neutrality to England.</P>
to what degree Belgium had surrendered her neutrality to England.</center>


<P>The whole world is now acquainted with two outstanding facts---first,
<br><br>The whole world is now acquainted with two outstanding facts---first,
when, in the night from the 3d to the 4th of August, our troops entered
when, in the night from the 3d to the 4th of August, our troops entered
Belgium, they were not on neutral soil, but on the soil of a state that
Belgium, they were not on neutral soil, but on the soil of a state that
Line 856: Line 894:
not for the sake of Belgium's neutrality, which she herself had helped to
not for the sake of Belgium's neutrality, which she herself had helped to
undermine, but because she believed that, with the co-operation of two great
undermine, but because she believed that, with the co-operation of two great
military Powers of the Continent, she could overcome and master us.</P>
military Powers of the Continent, she could overcome and master us.</center>


<P>Ever since August 2, when she promised armed support to France, England
<br><br>Ever since August 2, when she promised armed support to France, England
was no longer neutral but actually in a state of war with us. Her pointing
was no longer neutral but actually in a state of war with us. Her pointing
at our violation of Belgium's neutrality, when she declared war on us on
at our violation of Belgium's neutrality, when she declared war on us on
August 4, was nothing but a spectacular trick, intended to deceive the English
August 4, was nothing but a spectacular trick, intended to deceive the English
people and foreign neutral countries about her true war motives.</P>
people and foreign neutral countries about her true war motives.</center>


<P>The war plans which England and Belgium had worked out together to the
<br><br>The war plans which England and Belgium had worked out together to the
minutest details now being unveiled, the policy of British statesmen is
minutest details now being unveiled, the policy of British statesmen is
branded in world history, for all time to come!</P>
branded in world history, for all time to come!</center>


<P><HR ALIGN=LEFT><IMG SRC="images/2.gif" WIDTH="37" HEIGHT="36" ALIGN=
<br><br><HR ALIGN=LEFT><IMG SRC="images/2.gif" WIDTH="37" HEIGHT="36" ALIGN=
"MIDDLE" NATURALSIZEFLAG="3"><FONT SIZE=+1><A HREF="BelgTC.htm#TC">Table
"MIDDLE" NATURALSIZEFLAG="3"><FONT SIZE=+1><A HREF="BelgTC.htm#TC">Table
of Contents</A></FONT></P>
of Contents</A></FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><HR><FONT SIZE=+2>APPENDIX</FONT><BR>
<center><HR><FONT SIZE=+2>APPENDIX</FONT><BR>
<A NAME="K"></A><FONT SIZE=+3>K</FONT></P>
<A NAME="K"></A><FONT SIZE=+3>K</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=+1>AFFIDAVITS CONCERNING THE PRESENCE OF FRENCH
<center><FONT SIZE=+1>AFFIDAVITS CONCERNING THE PRESENCE OF FRENCH
TROOPS ON<BR>
TROOPS ON<BR>
BELGIAN SOIL PRIOR TO THE<BR>
BELGIAN SOIL PRIOR TO THE<BR>
GERMAN INVASION</FONT></P>
GERMAN INVASION</FONT></center>


<P>[FOOTNOTE: Taken from Dr. Richard Grasshof's <I>Belgiens Schuld, </I>where
<br><br>[FOOTNOTE: Taken from Dr. Richard Grasshof's <I>Belgiens Schuld, </I>where
the author expressly states that he has selected these sworn testimonials
the author expressly states that he has selected these sworn testimonials
from a large number of depositions made before the German authorities, concerning
from a large number of depositions made before the German authorities, concerning
this matter.]</P>
this matter.]</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=+2>1.</FONT></P>
<center><FONT SIZE=+2>1.</FONT></center>


<P>Julian <I>Requet---</I>wrongly called<I> </I>Louis Bellard---sub-corporal
<br><br>Julian <I>Requet---</I>wrongly called<I> </I>Louis Bellard---sub-corporal
in the 8th regiment of Hussars in the French Army, states:</P>
in the 8th regiment of Hussars in the French Army, states:</center>


<P>&quot;Together with two other hussars I was out on patrol. While these
<br><br>&quot;Together with two other hussars I was out on patrol. While these
two probably fell, I, losing my horse, succeeded in getting away, hurried
two probably fell, I, losing my horse, succeeded in getting away, hurried
to the next village, where I changed my clothes in a house. Thus I was captured
to the next village, where I changed my clothes in a house. Thus I was captured
alone and can give no information as to the whereabouts of other comrades.</P>
alone and can give no information as to the whereabouts of other comrades.</center>


<P>&quot;Upon being asked, the aforementioned stated that his regiment was
<br><br>&quot;Upon being asked, the aforementioned stated that his regiment was
mobilized on July 30, 1914. The regiment left its garrison on July 31st
mobilized on July 30, 1914. The regiment left its garrison on July 31st
and was detrained at midnight in Hirson. In the same night the regiment
and was detrained at midnight in Hirson. In the same night the regiment
Line 902: Line 940:
At Bouillon they united with the dragoon regiments 23 and 27, also with
At Bouillon they united with the dragoon regiments 23 and 27, also with
the 3d regiment of Hussars. These regiments are said to have crossed the
the 3d regiment of Hussars. These regiments are said to have crossed the
frontier simultaneously.&quot;</P>
frontier simultaneously.&quot;</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=+2>2.</FONT></P>
<center><FONT SIZE=+2>2.</FONT></center>


<P>Being duly sworn, Gaston Omar Eugene <I>Sailly</I>, in civil life hairdresser
<br><br>Being duly sworn, Gaston Omar Eugene <I>Sailly</I>, in civil life hairdresser
at St. Omer, since March, 1913, active soldier in the 21st French regiment
at St. Omer, since March, 1913, active soldier in the 21st French regiment
of dragoons, states:</P>
of dragoons, states:</center>


<P>&quot;The 21st French regiment of dragoons was transported by rail from
<br><br>&quot;The 21st French regiment of dragoons was transported by rail from
Noyon, its garrison, to Hirson in one day, and on the same day the regiment
Noyon, its garrison, to Hirson in one day, and on the same day the regiment
took quarters in villages in the vicinity of Hirson; the second squadron,
took quarters in villages in the vicinity of Hirson; the second squadron,
Line 935: Line 973:
rode northward deeper into Belgium. There also were French cavalry regiments,
rode northward deeper into Belgium. There also were French cavalry regiments,
especially cuirassiers and artillery, which I am not able to specify more
especially cuirassiers and artillery, which I am not able to specify more
minutely.&quot;</P>
minutely.&quot;</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=+2>3.</FONT></P>
<center><FONT SIZE=+2>3.</FONT></center>


<P>Gustave <I>Cochard, </I>from Rimogne, since the fall of 1913 active soldier
<br><br>Gustave <I>Cochard, </I>from Rimogne, since the fall of 1913 active soldier
in the 28th French regiment of dragoons, states under oath:</P>
in the 28th French regiment of dragoons, states under oath:</center>


<P>&quot;On July 31, 1914, at 10 a. m., the two regiments of dragoons, the
<br><br>&quot;On July 31, 1914, at 10 a. m., the two regiments of dragoons, the
28th and the 30th, garrisoned at Sedan, proceeded into the field. At first
28th and the 30th, garrisoned at Sedan, proceeded into the field. At first
they rode together in France, along the State Street to Mouzon, where they
they rode together in France, along the State Street to Mouzon, where they
Line 950: Line 988:
together. with munition wagons, whereupon the two regiments of dragoons,
together. with munition wagons, whereupon the two regiments of dragoons,
the 28th in the lead, then the guns, and following them the 30th regiment
the 28th in the lead, then the guns, and following them the 30th regiment
of dragoons, started out, at first again in the direction towards Sedan.</P>
of dragoons, started out, at first again in the direction towards Sedan.</center>


<P>&quot;The dragoons rode four abreast, without guards; the 3d troop of
<br><br>&quot;The dragoons rode four abreast, without guards; the 3d troop of
the 3d squadron, to which I belonged, rode furthest in advance. I rode in
the 3d squadron, to which I belonged, rode furthest in advance. I rode in
the fourth file, and therefore was able to see everything that transpired
the fourth file, and therefore was able to see everything that transpired
at the head of the detachment.</P>
at the head of the detachment.</center>


<P>&quot;When the detachment had arrived near the French village of Bazeilles,
<br><br>&quot;When the detachment had arrived near the French village of Bazeilles,
on the State highroad Mouzon-Sedan, it suddenly turned towards the North
on the State highroad Mouzon-Sedan, it suddenly turned towards the North
and proceeded via La Chapelle to the Belgian frontier. The Belgian-French
and proceeded via La Chapelle to the Belgian frontier. The Belgian-French
Line 980: Line 1,018:
was still standing in the street before the burgomaster's office. I then
was still standing in the street before the burgomaster's office. I then
proceeded with about thirty other dragoons to my quarters, a barn within
proceeded with about thirty other dragoons to my quarters, a barn within
the city.</P>
the city.</center>


<P>&quot;The night from July 31, 194, to August 1, 1914, therefore was spent
<br><br>&quot;The night from July 31, 194, to August 1, 1914, therefore was spent
by the 28th French regiment of dragoons and the French battery in the Belgian
by the 28th French regiment of dragoons and the French battery in the Belgian
city of Bouillon, while the 30th regiment of dragoons also was lying in
city of Bouillon, while the 30th regiment of dragoons also was lying in
quarters on Belgian soil nearby. The reception on the part of the Belgian
quarters on Belgian soil nearby. The reception on the part of the Belgian
population was in no way antagonistic, but on the contrary, very friendly.</P>
population was in no way antagonistic, but on the contrary, very friendly.</center>


<P>&quot;After the morning inspection, Lieutenant Malespieux, together with
<br><br>&quot;After the morning inspection, Lieutenant Malespieux, together with
twenty-five dragoons, I among them, left, as a patrol, in an easterly direction,
twenty-five dragoons, I among them, left, as a patrol, in an easterly direction,
before six o'clock in the morning, alternately walking the horses, then
before six o'clock in the morning, alternately walking the horses, then
Line 1,008: Line 1,046:
and proceeded to a Belgian village situated a few kilometers distant from
and proceeded to a Belgian village situated a few kilometers distant from
St. Laurent. The two regiments of dragoons and the battery therefore proceeded
St. Laurent. The two regiments of dragoons and the battery therefore proceeded
on August 1, 1914, more than forty kilometers, advancing into Belgian territory.</P>
on August 1, 1914, more than forty kilometers, advancing into Belgian territory.</center>


<P>&quot;When I, on August 1st, together with the officers' patrol of twenty-five
<br><br>&quot;When I, on August 1st, together with the officers' patrol of twenty-five
men, riding along the State highroad Bouillon-Arlon, this patrol, in the
men, riding along the State highroad Bouillon-Arlon, this patrol, in the
section Bouillon-Florenville, passed a country road which crosses the highroad
section Bouillon-Florenville, passed a country road which crosses the highroad
Line 1,025: Line 1,063:
at the road-crossing on Belgian soil, and which had followed us for several
at the road-crossing on Belgian soil, and which had followed us for several
hours, turned to the left, and therefore entered still more deeply into
hours, turned to the left, and therefore entered still more deeply into
Belgium.</P>
Belgium.</center>


<P>&quot;Any mistake concerning the fact that the two regiments of dragoons
<br><br>&quot;Any mistake concerning the fact that the two regiments of dragoons
and the battery crossed the Belgian frontier on the evening of July 31,
and the battery crossed the Belgian frontier on the evening of July 31,
1914, and remained at least the entire following week uninterruptedly on
1914, and remained at least the entire following week uninterruptedly on
Belgian territory, is excluded if only for the following reason:</P>
Belgian territory, is excluded if only for the following reason:</center>


<P>&quot;On about July 20, 1914, 1 had entered a request for a fourteen
<br><br>&quot;On about July 20, 1914, 1 had entered a request for a fourteen
days' furlough to my home, Rimonge, and this had been granted and was to
days' furlough to my home, Rimonge, and this had been granted and was to
begin on August 1, 1914. Even in the evening of July 30, 1914, nothing was
begin on August 1, 1914. Even in the evening of July 30, 1914, nothing was
Line 1,042: Line 1,080:
31, 194, to suddenly proceed to the field. That has impressed itself on
31, 194, to suddenly proceed to the field. That has impressed itself on
my memory indelibly. I repeat that every error as to my mentioning of time
my memory indelibly. I repeat that every error as to my mentioning of time
and dates is out of the question.&quot;</P>
and dates is out of the question.&quot;</center>


<P><HR ALIGN=LEFT><IMG SRC="images/2.gif" WIDTH="37" HEIGHT="36" ALIGN=
<br><br><HR ALIGN=LEFT><IMG SRC="images/2.gif" WIDTH="37" HEIGHT="36" ALIGN=
"MIDDLE" NATURALSIZEFLAG="3"><FONT SIZE=+1><A HREF="BelgTC.htm#TC">Table
"MIDDLE" NATURALSIZEFLAG="3"><FONT SIZE=+1><A HREF="BelgTC.htm#TC">Table
of Contents</A></FONT></P>
of Contents</A></FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><HR><FONT SIZE=+2>APPENDIX</FONT><BR>
<center><HR><FONT SIZE=+2>APPENDIX</FONT><BR>
<A NAME="L"></A><FONT SIZE=+3>L</FONT></P>
<A NAME="L"></A><FONT SIZE=+3>L</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=+1>THE ENGLISH PRESS OF 1887 ON<BR>
<center><FONT SIZE=+1>THE ENGLISH PRESS OF 1887 ON<BR>
BELGIUM'S NEUTRALITY</FONT></P>
BELGIUM'S NEUTRALITY</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=+2>1</FONT></P>
<center><FONT SIZE=+2>1</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=+1>THE BETRAYAL OF BELGIUM<BR>
<center><FONT SIZE=+1>THE BETRAYAL OF BELGIUM<BR>
WHAT THE ENGLISH TORIES ONCE SAID</FONT></P>
WHAT THE ENGLISH TORIES ONCE SAID</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>(The Labour Leader, February 4, 1915)</P>
<center>(The Labour Leader, February 4, 1915)</center>


<P>In the records of political hypocrisy we doubt if there is anything more
<br><br>In the records of political hypocrisy we doubt if there is anything more
complete or more dishonest than that of the British Tory Party, regarding
complete or more dishonest than that of the British Tory Party, regarding
Belgium, and we give today a proof which must make honest men stand aghast
Belgium, and we give today a proof which must make honest men stand aghast
Line 1,073: Line 1,111:
regarded as official by writers on diplomatic history like M. Milovanovitch.
regarded as official by writers on diplomatic history like M. Milovanovitch.
<I>(Trait&eacute;s de Garantie au XIX Si&egrave;cle</I>, Paris (1888), p.
<I>(Trait&eacute;s de Garantie au XIX Si&egrave;cle</I>, Paris (1888), p.
465).</P>
465).</center>


<BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
   <P>Standard, Friday, February 4, 1887 <BR>
   <br><br>Standard, Friday, February 4, 1887 <BR>
   <I>To the Editor of The Standard:</I></P>
   <I>To the Editor of The Standard:</I></center>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>


<P>Sir:---Military experts are of the opinion that France has spent so much
<br><br>Sir:---Military experts are of the opinion that France has spent so much
money, and spent it so well during the last sixteen years in providing herself
money, and spent it so well during the last sixteen years in providing herself
with a fresh military frontier, that a direct advance by the German armies
with a fresh military frontier, that a direct advance by the German armies
into France, past the new fortresses and forts that have been erected and
into France, past the new fortresses and forts that have been erected and
linked together, would be, even if possible, a very hazardous undertaking.</P>
linked together, would be, even if possible, a very hazardous undertaking.</center>


<P>But if Germany was, or considered itself to be, provoked into a struggle
<br><br>But if Germany was, or considered itself to be, provoked into a struggle
of life and death with France would Prince Bismarck, with the mighty forces
of life and death with France would Prince Bismarck, with the mighty forces
he can set in motion, consent to be baffled by the artificial obstacles
he can set in motion, consent to be baffled by the artificial obstacles
to which I have alluded, so long as there existed a natural and undefended
to which I have alluded, so long as there existed a natural and undefended
road by which he could escape from his embarrassment?</P>
road by which he could escape from his embarrassment?</center>


<P>Such a road or way out does exist. It lies on Belgian territory. But
<br><br>Such a road or way out does exist. It lies on Belgian territory. But
the neutrality of Belgium is protected by European guarantee and England
the neutrality of Belgium is protected by European guarantee and England
is one of the guarantors.</P>
is one of the guarantors.</center>


<P>In 1870 Earl Granville, then at the head of the English Foreign Office,
<br><br>In 1870 Earl Granville, then at the head of the English Foreign Office,
alive to this danger, promptly and wisely bound England to side with France
alive to this danger, promptly and wisely bound England to side with France
if Prussia violated Belgian territory and with Prussia if France did so.</P>
if Prussia violated Belgian territory and with Prussia if France did so.</center>


<P>Would Lord Salisbury act prudently to take upon himself a similar engagement
<br><br>Would Lord Salisbury act prudently to take upon himself a similar engagement
in the event of a fresh conflict between these two countries? It is for
in the event of a fresh conflict between these two countries? It is for
Englishmen to answer the question. But it seems to me, as one not indifferent
Englishmen to answer the question. But it seems to me, as one not indifferent
Line 1,109: Line 1,147:
to turn the French flank by putting its armies through the Belgian Ardennes)
to turn the French flank by putting its armies through the Belgian Ardennes)
without utterly vitiating and destroying the main purpose of English policy
without utterly vitiating and destroying the main purpose of English policy
all over the world.</P>
all over the world.</center>


<P>But, it will be asked, must not England honor its signature and be faithful
<br><br>But, it will be asked, must not England honor its signature and be faithful
to its public pledges? I reply that your Foreign Minister ought to be equal
to its public pledges? I reply that your Foreign Minister ought to be equal
to the task of meeting this objection without committing England to war.
to the task of meeting this objection without committing England to war.
Line 1,118: Line 1,156:
able to obtain from Prince Bismarck ample and adequate guarantees that,
able to obtain from Prince Bismarck ample and adequate guarantees that,
at the close of the conflict, the territory of Belgium should remain intact
at the close of the conflict, the territory of Belgium should remain intact
as before?</P>
as before?</center>


<P>You will see, sir, that I raise, in a very few words, an exceedingly
<br><br>You will see, sir, that I raise, in a very few words, an exceedingly
important question. It is for the English people to perpend and pronounce.
important question. It is for the English people to perpend and pronounce.
But it is high time they reflected on it.</P>
But it is high time they reflected on it.</center>


<BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
   <P>I am, sir, your obedient servant,</P>
   <br><br>I am, sir, your obedient servant,</center>
   <P>&quot;DIPLOMATICUS.&quot;</P>
   <br><br>&quot;DIPLOMATICUS.&quot;</center>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>


<P>Upon this, The Standard, in a leading article, wrote as follows:</P>
<br><br>Upon this, The Standard, in a leading article, wrote as follows:</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>Standard Leading Article, February 4, 1887</P>
<center>Standard Leading Article, February 4, 1887</center>


<P>We are reminded this morning, by a correspondent who speaks with high
<br><br>We are reminded this morning, by a correspondent who speaks with high
authority, that while we are all wondering how long it will be before a
authority, that while we are all wondering how long it will be before a
fresh conflict breaks out between France and Germany, Englishmen are shutting
fresh conflict breaks out between France and Germany, Englishmen are shutting
Line 1,156: Line 1,194:
similar condition of affairs no longer exists. In the first place, in 1870
similar condition of affairs no longer exists. In the first place, in 1870
neither of the combatants had any pressing necessity to resort to a violation
neither of the combatants had any pressing necessity to resort to a violation
of Belgian territory in the execution of their military designs.</P>
of Belgian territory in the execution of their military designs.</center>
 
<br><br>The territory of Germany was avowedly vulnerable in several places, and
France was so assured of her military superiority</center>


<P>The territory of Germany was avowedly vulnerable in several places, and
<br><br>
France was so assured of her military superiority</P>


<P>---that no precautions had been taken against the possibility of France
---that no precautions had been taken against the possibility of France
being invaded. . . . Metz and Strassburg are now German fortresses; and
being invaded. . . . Metz and Strassburg are now German fortresses; and
no one requires to be told that Germany has neglected no precautions or
no one requires to be told that Germany has neglected no precautions or
Line 1,167: Line 1,207:
if not an impracticable undertaking. Armed to the head for offense, Germany
if not an impracticable undertaking. Armed to the head for offense, Germany
is likewise armed to the heel for defense. She is more invulnerable than
is likewise armed to the heel for defense. She is more invulnerable than
Achilles, for there is no point uncovered.</P>
Achilles, for there is no point uncovered.<br><br>


<P>How stands it with France as regards defense against invasion? . . .
How stands it with France as regards defense against invasion? . . .
Not only does France possess a first line of fortresses, contiguous to German
Not only does France possess a first line of fortresses, contiguous to German
territory, in Belfort, Epinal, Toul, and Verdun, but all four are linked
territory, in Belfort, Epinal, Toul, and Verdun, but all four are linked
Line 1,200: Line 1,240:
either France or Germany, should either France or Germany violate Belgian
either France or Germany, should either France or Germany violate Belgian
ground, we might, and probably should, find ourselves involved in a war
ground, we might, and probably should, find ourselves involved in a war
of giants on our own account.</P>
of giants on our own account.<br><br>


<P>We think that &quot;Diplomaticus&quot; understands the English people
We think that &quot;Diplomaticus&quot; understands the English people
when he hints his suspicion that such a result would be utterly alien alike
when he hints his suspicion that such a result would be utterly alien alike
to their wishes and to their interests. For over and above the fact that,
to their wishes and to their interests. For over and above the fact that,
Line 1,239: Line 1,279:
But it would be madness for us to incur or to assume responsibilities unnecessarily
But it would be madness for us to incur or to assume responsibilities unnecessarily
when to do so would manifestly involve our participation in a tremendous
when to do so would manifestly involve our participation in a tremendous
war.</P>
war.<br><br>


<P>That week The Spectator, the organ of the respectable classes, commented
That week The Spectator, the organ of the respectable classes, commented
upon these pronouncements as follows:</P>
upon these pronouncements as follows:


<P ALIGN=CENTER>Spectator, Saturday, February 5, 1887</P>
<center>Spectator, Saturday, February 5, 1887</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>News of the Week</P>
<center>News of the Week</center><br><br>


<P>. . . the general idea is that England will be kept out of this war.
. . . the general idea is that England will be kept out of this war.
. . . That she will try to do so we do not doubt, but there is the Belgian
. . . That she will try to do so we do not doubt, but there is the Belgian
difficulty ahead. Our guarantee for her is not a solitary one, and would
difficulty ahead. Our guarantee for her is not a solitary one, and would
Line 1,254: Line 1,294:
The probability is that we shall insist on her not becoming a theatre of
The probability is that we shall insist on her not becoming a theatre of
war but shall not bar---as indeed we cannot bar---the traversing of her
war but shall not bar---as indeed we cannot bar---the traversing of her
soil.</P>
soil.<br><br>


<P>We think that these documents prove the grave statements by which we
We think that these documents prove the grave statements by which we
introduced them.</P>
introduced them.


<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT SIZE=+2>2.</FONT></P>
<center><FONT SIZE=+2>2.</FONT></center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>THE BETRAYAL OF BELGIUM<BR>
<center>THE BETRAYAL OF BELGIUM<BR>
WHAT THE ENGLISH LIBERALS ONCE SAID</P>
WHAT THE ENGLISH LIBERALS ONCE SAID</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>(The Labour Leader, February 11, 1915)</P>
<center>(The Labour Leader, February 11, 1915)</center><br><br>


<P>The article we published recently from The Standard appeared in its issue
The article we published recently from The Standard appeared in its issue
of February 4, 1887. That afternoon the Pall Mall Gazette, then edited by
of February 4, 1887. That afternoon the Pall Mall Gazette, then edited by
Mr. Stead, whose aggressive Liberalism on the subject of small nationalities
Mr. Stead, whose aggressive Liberalism on the subject of small nationalities
and sacredness of treaties is well known, published the following article:</P>
and sacredness of treaties is well known, published the following article:<br><br>


<P>&quot;Pall Mall Gazette,&quot; February 4, 1887</P>
&quot;Pall Mall Gazette,&quot; February 4, 1887


<BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
   <P>England and Belgium.<BR>
   England and Belgium.<BR>
   Are we bound to intervene? <BR>
   Are we bound to intervene? <BR>
   There is no guarantee.</P>
   There is no guarantee.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>


<P>The Standard this morning gives special prominence to a letter signed
The Standard this morning gives special prominence to a letter signed
&quot;Diplomaticus&quot; on the neutrality of Belgium. It also devotes its
&quot;Diplomaticus&quot; on the neutrality of Belgium. It also devotes its
first leading article to the subject. The gist of these utterances may be
first leading article to the subject. The gist of these utterances may be
Line 1,286: Line 1,326:
since the contraction of the said obligation, and as against Germany, at
since the contraction of the said obligation, and as against Germany, at
any rate, England must pocket its pledges, and allow France to be invaded
any rate, England must pocket its pledges, and allow France to be invaded
through Belgium without protesting or interfering.</P>
through Belgium without protesting or interfering.<br><br>


<P>Considerable importance is likely to be attributed to these conclusions
Considerable importance is likely to be attributed to these conclusions
abroad owing to its being understood that The Standard is at present the
abroad owing to its being understood that The Standard is at present the
Governmental Salisburian organ. Each of the propositions laid down by our
Governmental Salisburian organ. Each of the propositions laid down by our
Line 1,294: Line 1,334:
read the second as an invitation to invade France through Belgium; France
read the second as an invitation to invade France through Belgium; France
might read the first as an admission of our obligation to prevent, or rather
might read the first as an admission of our obligation to prevent, or rather
to punish, such an infringement of neutral territory, if we dared.</P>
to punish, such an infringement of neutral territory, if we dared.<br><br>


<P>It becomes important, therefore, to point out that The Standard's argument
It becomes important, therefore, to point out that The Standard's argument
rests on a false assumption. We do not for the present argue whether in
rests on a false assumption. We do not for the present argue whether in
the contingencies contemplated it would be England's interest to intervene
the contingencies contemplated it would be England's interest to intervene
by declaring war against whichever belligerent might violate the neutrality
by declaring war against whichever belligerent might violate the neutrality
of Belgium; we confine ourselves to the preliminary statement essential
of Belgium; we confine ourselves to the preliminary statement essential
for clearing up the case---that it is not England's obligation to do so.</P>
for clearing up the case---that it is not England's obligation to do so.<br><br>


<P>The origin of the mistaken views prevailing on the question is undoubtedly
The origin of the mistaken views prevailing on the question is undoubtedly
a confusion between the Special Treaty of 1831 and 1839 which it temporarily
a confusion between the Special Treaty of 1831 and 1839 which it temporarily
superseded. By the treaty of 1870 the obligation of England was, of course,
superseded. By the treaty of 1870 the obligation of England was, of course,
clear and specific. Here is the pledge which was given in the identical
clear and specific. Here is the pledge which was given in the identical
treaties concluded mutatis mutandis with both France and Prussia:</P>
treaties concluded mutatis mutandis with both France and Prussia:


<BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
   <P>&quot;Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
   &quot;Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
   Ireland declares that if during the said hostilities the armies of France
   Ireland declares that if during the said hostilities the armies of France
   (or Prussia) should violate the neutrality of Belgium, she will be prepared
   (or Prussia) should violate the neutrality of Belgium, she will be prepared
Line 1,316: Line 1,356:
   for the defense of the same in such a manner as may be mutually agreed
   for the defense of the same in such a manner as may be mutually agreed
   upon, employing for that purpose her naval and military forces to ensure
   upon, employing for that purpose her naval and military forces to ensure
   its observance.&quot;</P>
   its observance.&quot;
</BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>


<P>There could be no doubt about that pledge; but then it expired twelve
There could be no doubt about that pledge; but then it expired twelve
months after the conclusion of peace. At the expiration of that period,
months after the conclusion of peace. At the expiration of that period,
so the treaty continued:</P>
so the treaty continued:


<BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
   <P>&quot;The independence and neutrality of Belgium will, so far as the
   &quot;The independence and neutrality of Belgium will, so far as the
   High Contracting Parties are respectively concerned, continue to rest as
   High Contracting Parties are respectively concerned, continue to rest as
   heretofore on the first article of the Quintuple Treaty of the 19th of
   heretofore on the first article of the Quintuple Treaty of the 19th of
   April, 1839.&quot;</P>
   April, 1839.&quot;
</BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>


<P>Now, what some people do is to read this treaty of 1839 by the light
Now, what some people do is to read this treaty of 1839 by the light
of the more specific treaty of 1870, and to deduce from the former the same
of the more specific treaty of 1870, and to deduce from the former the same
obligation on the part of England to intervene against any infringement
obligation on the part of England to intervene against any infringement
of Belgium's neutrality as was contained in the 1870 treaty.</P>
of Belgium's neutrality as was contained in the 1870 treaty.<br><br>


<P>This, however, is a completely untenable proceeding. The treaty of 1839
This, however, is a completely untenable proceeding. The treaty of 1839
must stand on its own legs, and these, it will be seen, are by no means
must stand on its own legs, and these, it will be seen, are by no means
very strong. The following are the terms of its second article:</P>
very strong. The following are the terms of its second article:


<BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
   <P>&quot;His Majesty the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and Bohemia,
   <br><br>&quot;His Majesty the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and Bohemia,
   His Majesty the King of the French, Her Majesty the Queen of the United
   His Majesty the King of the French, Her Majesty the Queen of the United
   Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, His Majesty the King of Prussia,
   Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, His Majesty the King of Prussia,
Line 1,348: Line 1,388:
   Duke of Luxembourg, are considered as having the same force and value as
   Duke of Luxembourg, are considered as having the same force and value as
   if they were textually inserted in the present act, and that they are thus
   if they were textually inserted in the present act, and that they are thus
   placed under the guarantee of their Majesties.&quot;</P>
   placed under the guarantee of their Majesties.&quot;</center>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>


<P>Here, then, we are sent off from the treaty between the Great Powers
Here, then, we are sent off from the treaty between the Great Powers
to the treaty between Belgium and the Netherlands. The seventh article of
to the treaty between Belgium and the Netherlands. The seventh article of
this treaty (which is identical with the same article of the 1831 treaty)
this treaty (which is identical with the same article of the 1831 treaty)
runs:</P>
runs:


<BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
   <P>&quot;Belgium will form, within the limits indicated in 1, 2, and 4,
   <br><br>&quot;Belgium will form, within the limits indicated in 1, 2, and 4,
   an independent and perpetually neutral State. She will be bound to observe
   an independent and perpetually neutral State. She will be bound to observe
   this same neutrality toward all other States.&quot;</P>
   this same neutrality toward all other States.&quot;</center>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
</BLOCKQUOTE>


<P>In this treaty it will be seen there is nothing about any guarantee;
In this treaty it will be seen there is nothing about any guarantee;
all that can be elicited from it, and from the one cited as referring to
all that can be elicited from it, and from the one cited as referring to
it, is this, that this clause is placed under the guarantee of &quot;their
it, is this, that this clause is placed under the guarantee of &quot;their
said Majesties,&quot; that is, England, Austria, France, Germany and Russia.</P>
said Majesties,&quot; that is, England, Austria, France, Germany and Russia.<br><br>


<P>But that is not all. This constructive guarantee must be considered in
But that is not all. This constructive guarantee must be considered in
relation to the party to whom it was given---namely to the Netherlands.
relation to the party to whom it was given---namely to the Netherlands.
For the treaty of 1839 was one between the five Powers on the one hand and
For the treaty of 1839 was one between the five Powers on the one hand and
Line 1,374: Line 1,414:
of which treaty said that Belgium should form, &quot;an independent and
of which treaty said that Belgium should form, &quot;an independent and
perpetually neutral State&quot; and should &quot;be bound to observe such
perpetually neutral State&quot; and should &quot;be bound to observe such
neutrality toward all other States.&quot;</P>
neutrality toward all other States.&quot;<br><br>


<P>In the treaty of 1831, it is true, there was a further article guaranteeing
In the treaty of 1831, it is true, there was a further article guaranteeing
the execution of all preceding articles (including, therefore, the one just
the execution of all preceding articles (including, therefore, the one just
cited in similar terms from the 1839 treaty) to the King of the Belgians,
cited in similar terms from the 1839 treaty) to the King of the Belgians,
but in the 1839 treaty, on which the independence of Belgian is now said
but in the 1839 treaty, on which the independence of Belgian is now said
to rest, Lord Palmerston omitted any such guarantee.</P>
to rest, Lord Palmerston omitted any such guarantee.<br><br>


<P>There is, therefore, no English guarantee to Belgium. It is possible,
There is, therefore, no English guarantee to Belgium. It is possible,
perhaps, to &quot;construct such a guarantee; but the case may be summed
perhaps, to &quot;construct such a guarantee; but the case may be summed
up as follows: (1) England is under no guarantee whatever except such as
up as follows: (1) England is under no guarantee whatever except such as
is common to Austria, France, Russia, and Germany; (2) that guarantee is
is common to Austria, France, Russia, and Germany; (2) that guarantee is
not specifically of the neutrality of Belgium at all; and (3) is given not
not specifically of the neutrality of Belgium at all; and (3) is given not
to Belgium but to the Netherlands.</P>
to Belgium but to the Netherlands.


<P ALIGN=CENTER>Pall Mall Gazette, February 5, 1887</P>
<center>Pall Mall Gazette, February 5, 1887</center>


<P ALIGN=CENTER>OCCASIONAL NOTES.</P>
<center>OCCASIONAL NOTES.</center><br><br>


<P>The attempt of the Morning Post to prove that this country is under a
The attempt of the Morning Post to prove that this country is under a
guarantee to Belgium to defend its neutrality is highly unsuccessful. &quot;The
guarantee to Belgium to defend its neutrality is highly unsuccessful. &quot;The
treaty of the 15th of November, 1831,&quot; it says, &quot;was cancelled
treaty of the 15th of November, 1831,&quot; it says, &quot;was cancelled
Line 1,406: Line 1,446:
in any case recommend being taken on it is a platonic protest. To construe
in any case recommend being taken on it is a platonic protest. To construe
a non-existent guarantee in order to have the privilege of uttering an unavailing
a non-existent guarantee in order to have the privilege of uttering an unavailing
protest is surely the very superfluity of futility.</P>
protest is surely the very superfluity of futility.<br><br>


<P>But the line taken by the Morning Post is perhaps not quite so absurd
But the line taken by the Morning Post is perhaps not quite so absurd
as that which The Standard yesterday suggested, and a correspondent repeats
as that which The Standard yesterday suggested, and a correspondent repeats
this morning. We are to construct the guarantee and are then to declare
this morning. We are to construct the guarantee and are then to declare
Line 1,420: Line 1,460:
absurdities staring them in the face, it is surprising that our contemporaries
absurdities staring them in the face, it is surprising that our contemporaries
do not take the trouble to ascertain that the guarantee which they are so
do not take the trouble to ascertain that the guarantee which they are so
ingeniously but unheroically whittling down does not in fact exist at all.</P>
ingeniously but unheroically whittling down does not in fact exist at all.<br><br>


<P>We wonder if national honour was held in less esteem in 1887 than in
We wonder if national honour was held in less esteem in 1887 than in
1914. That cannot be the explanation of these articles and of the professions
1914. That cannot be the explanation of these articles and of the professions
of Liberal and Tory politicians at the present moment. We have a shrewd
of Liberal and Tory politicians at the present moment. We have a shrewd
Line 1,434: Line 1,474:
He is now a mere victim in the hands of Foreign Offices which muddle their
He is now a mere victim in the hands of Foreign Offices which muddle their
business and the power to involve his life and his honour in whatever they
business and the power to involve his life and his honour in whatever they
say or do.</P>
say or do.

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 <TITLE>Alexander Fuehr. The Neutrality of Belgium. 1915. Chapter One.</TITLE>

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Alexander Fuehr

THE NEUTRALITY OF BELGIUM

1915
<A NAME="A"></A>APPENDIX
A
TREATIES RELATIVE TO
THE NETHERLANDS AND BELGIUM
signed at London, April 19, 1839.
PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT BY
COMMAND OF HER MAJESTY, 1839



1. Treaty between Great Britain, Austria, France, Prussia

and Russia, on the one part, and the Netherlands, on the other.

In the Name of the Most Holy and Indivisible Trinity.



Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, His Majesty the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and Bohemia, His Majesty the King of the French, His Majesty the King of Prussia, and His Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias, having taken into consideration their Treaty concluded with His Majesty the King of the Belgians, on the 15th of November 1831; and His Majesty the King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, being disposed to conclude a definite arrangement on the basis of the 24 Articles agreed upon by the Plenipotentiaries of Great Britain, Austria, France, Prussia, and Russia on the 14th of October, 1831; their said Majesties

have named for their Plenipotentiaries, that is to say: * * *



Who, after having communicated to each other their Full Powers, found

in good and due form, have agreed upon the following Articles:

<A NAME="p200"></A>ARTICLE I



His Majesty the King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, engages to cause to be immediately converted into a Treaty with His Majesty the King of the Belgians, the Articles annexed to the present Act, and agreed upon by common consent, under the auspices of the Courts of Great Britain,

Austria, France, Prussia and Russia.

ARTICLE II



Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, His Majesty the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and Bohemia, His Majesty the King of the French, His Majesty the King of Prussia, and His Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias declare, that the Articles mentioned in the preceding Article, are considered as having the same force and validity as if they were textually inserted in the present Act, and that they are

thus placed under the guarantee of their said Majesties.

ARTICLE III



The union which has existed between Holland and Belgium, in virtue of the Treaty of Vienna, of the 31st of May, 1815, is acknowledged by His Majesty

the King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, to be dissolved.

ARTICLE IV



The present Treaty shall be ratified, and the ratifications shall be exchanged at London at the expiration of six weeks, or sooner, if possible. The exchange of these ratifications shall take place at the same time as

that of the ratifications of the Treaty between Holland and Belgium.



In witness whereof, the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed the

present Treaty, and have affixed thereto the seal of their Arms.



Done at London, the nineteenth day of April, in the year of Our Lord

one thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine.



(L. S.) PALMERSTON,
(L. S.) SENFFT,
(L. S.) H. SEBASTIANI,
(L. S.) BÜLOW,
(L. S.) POZZO DI BORGO,

(L. S.) DEDEL.



Annex to the Treaty signed at London, on the 19th of April, 1839, between Great Britain, Austria, France, Prussia and Russia, on the one part, and the Netherlands, on the Other. [FOOTNOTE: Of the Twenty-Four Articles annexed to the treaty only such parts are reproduced here, as are of particular interest for the present study. A summary of the contents of all the Twenty-Four

Articles is given in the <A HREF="Belgnotes.htm#23">footnote of page 48.</A>]

ARTICLE I



The Belgian territory shall be composed of the provinces:



South Brabant;
Liége;
Namur;
Hainault;
West Flanders;
East Flanders;
Antwerp; and

Limburg;



such as they formed part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands constituted in 1815, with the exception of those districts of the province of Limburg

which are designated in Article IV.



The Belgian territory shall, moreover, comprise that part of the Grand

Duchy of Luxembourg which is specified in Article II.

ARTICLE II



In the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the limits of the Belgian territory

shall be such as will be hereinafter described, viz.. . .

ARTICLE IV



In execution of that part of Article I which relates to the province of Limburg, and in consequence of the cessions of His Majesty the King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, makes in Article II, his said

Majesty shall possess. . . .

ARTICLE VII



Belgium within the limits specified in Articles I, II and IV shall form an independent and perpetually neutral State. It shall be bound to observe

such neutrality toward all other States.



(L. S.) PALMERSTON,
(L. S.) SENFFT,
(L. S.) H. SEBASTIANI,
(L. S.) BÜLOW,
(L. S.) POZZO DI BORGO,

(L. S.) DEDEL.



(A Treaty between Holland and Belgium comprising the 24 Articles above recited, together with the usual engagement for Peace and Friendship between the Parties, was also signed by the Plenipotentiaries of those two Powers on the 19th of April; and the ratifications were exchanged

at the same time and place as those of the preceding Treaty.).



2. Treaty between Great Britain, Austria, France, Prussia

and Russia, on the one part, and Belgium, on the other.

In the Name of the Most Holy and Indivisible Trinity.



Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, His Majesty the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and Bohemia, His Majesty the King of the French, His Majesty the King of Prussia, and His Majesty the Emperor of All the Russias, taking into consideration, as well as His Majesty the King of the Belgians, their Treaty concluded at London on the 15th of November, 1831, as well as the Treaties signed this day, between their Majesties the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and Bohemia, the King of the French, the King of Prussia, and the Emperor of All the Russias, on the one part, and His Majesty the King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, on the other part, and between His Majesty the King of the Belgians and His said Majesty the King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, their said Majesties have named as their Plenipotentiaries, that is to say: *

  • *



Who, after having communicated to each other their Full Powers, found

in good and due form, have agreed upon the following Articles:

ARTICLE I



Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, His Majesty the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and Bohemia, His Majesty the King of the French, His Majesty the King of Prussia, and His Majesty the Emperor of All the Russias, declare, that the Article hereunto annexed, and forming the tenor of the Treaty concluded this day between His Majesty the King of the Belgians and His Majesty the King of Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, are considered as having the same force and validity as if they were textually inserted in the present Act, and that they are

thus placed under the Guarantee of their said Majesties.

ARTICLE II



The Treaty of the 15th of November, 1831, between their Majesties the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and Bohemia, the King of the French, the King of Prussia, and the Emperor of All the Russias, and His Majesty the King of the Belgians, is declared not to be obligatory upon the High Contracting

Parties.

ARTICLE III



The present treaty shall be ratified, and the Ratifications shall be exchanged at London at the expiration of six weeks, or sooner if possible. This exchange shall take place the same time as that of the Ratifications

of the Treaty between Belgium and Holland.



In witness whereof, the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed the

present Treaty, and have affixed thereto the Seal of their Arms.

Done at London, the 19th day of April, in the year of Our Lord, 1839.



(L. S.) PALMERSTON,
(L. S.) SENFFT,
(L. S.) H. SEBASTIANI,
(L. S.) BÜLOW,
(L. S.) POZZO DI BORGO,

(L. S.) SYLVAIN VAN DE WEYER.

* * *



Annex to the Treaty signed at London on the 19th of April, 1839, between Great Britain, Austria, France, Prussia and Russia, on the one part, and

Belgium, on the other part.



(This annex, signed by the same Plenipotentiaries who signed the preceding Treaty, is word for word the same as the Annex to the Treaty

between the Five Powers and the King of the Netherlands.)



<A NAME="p207"></A>3. Act of accession on the part of the Germanic Confederation to the territorial Arrangements concerning the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg contained in the first seven Articles of the Annex to

the two preceding Treaties.



The Plenipotentiaries of the Courts of Great Britain, Austria, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Prussia and Russia, having this day, signed the Treaties concluded between the five Courts and His Majesty the King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, between their Majesties the King of the Belgians and the King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and between the five Courts and His Majesty the King of the Belgians, the Plenipotentiaries have deemed it expedient that the Plenipotentiaries of Austria and Prussia, invested with Full Powers from the Diet of the Germanic Confederation, should be invited to accede in the name of the said Confederation, to the arrangements concerning the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, which are

contained in the Treaties above mentioned.



In consequence, the Plenipotentiaries of Austria and Prussia, representing the Diet in virtue of the said Full Powers, declare that the Germanic Confederation formally accedes to the territorial arrangements concerning the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, which are contained in Articles I, II, III, IV, V, VI and VII, of the Annex to the Treaties this day concluded between the five Courts and His Majesty the King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and between the five Courts and His Majesty the King of the Belgians, as well as in the corresponding Articles of the Treaty signed at the same time between His Majesty the King of the Belgians and His Majesty the King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg. And they take towards the Courts of Great Britain, Austria, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Prussia and Russia, in the name of the Germanic Confederation, the engagement that the Confederation will entirely conform to the stipulations contained in the said Articles, which are hereinafter inserted word for word, so far as they concern the Germanic

Confederation .



[Here follow the first seven Articles of the Annex to the two preceding

Treaties.]



The Plenipotentiaries of Great Britain, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Prussia and Russia, in virtue of their Full Powers, formally accept, in the name of their respective Courts, the said Accession on the part of the

Germanic Confederation.



The present Act of Accession shall be ratified by the Courts of Great Britain, Austria, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Prussia and Russia, and also by the Germanic Confederation, by means of a Decree of the Diet, of which the requisite number of copies shall be prepared. And the respective Acts of Ratification shall be exchanged at London at the expiration of six weeks from this date, or sooner if possible, and at the same time as the

exchange of the Ratifications of the three Treaties above mentioned.



In witness whereof the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed the present

Act of Accession, and have affixed thereto the Seal of their Arms.

Done at London, the 19th day of April, in the year of our Lord, 1839.



(L. S.) PALMERSTON,
(L. S.) SENFFT,
(L. S.) SYLVAIN VAN DE WEYER,
(L. S.) H. SEBASTIANI,
(L. S.) DEDEL,
(L. S.) BÜLOW.

(L. S.) POZZO DI BORGO,



(L. S.) SENFFT,

(L. S.) BÜLOW




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APPENDIX
<A NAME="B"></A>B
TREATY

BETWEEN HER MAJESTY
AND THE KING OF PRUSSIA
RELATIVE TO
THE INDEPENDENCE AND NEUTRALITY

OF BELGIUM
Signed at London, August 9, 1870
PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT BY
COMMAND OF HER MAJESTY, 1871
(Ratifications exchanged at London, August 26, 1870)



Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and His Majesty the King of Prussia, being desirous at the present time of recording in a solemn Act their fixed determination to maintain the independence and neutrality of Belgium, as provided in Article VII of the Treaty signed at London on the 19th of April, 1839, between Belgium and the Netherlands, which Article was declared by the Quintuple Treaty of 1839 to be considered as having the same force and value as if textually inserted in the said Quintuple Treaty, their said Majesties have determined to conclude between themselves a separate Treaty, which, without impairing or invalidating the conditions of the said Quintuple Treaty, shall be subsidiary and accessory to it; and they have accordingly named as their Plenipotentiaries for that

purpose, that is to say.* * *



Who, after having communicated to each other their respective full powers, found in good and due form, have agreed upon and concluded the following

Articles:

ARTICLE I



His Majesty the King of Prussia having declared that, notwithstanding the hostilities in which the North German Confederation is engaged with France, it is his fixed determination to respect the neutrality of Belgium, so long as the same shall be respected by France, Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland on her part declares that, if during the said hostilities the armies of France should violate that neutrality, she will be prepared to co-operate with His Prussian Majesty for the defense of the same in such manner as may be mutually agreed upon, employing for that purpose her naval and military forces to insure its observance, and to maintain, in conjunction with His Prussian Majesty, then and thereafter,

the independence and neutrality of Belgium.



It is clearly understood that Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland does not engage herself by this Treaty to take part in any of the general operations of the war now carried on between the North German Confederation and France, beyond the limits of Belgium, as defined in the Treaty between Belgium and the Netherlands of April 19,

1839.

ARTICLE II



His Majesty the King of Prussia agrees on his part, in the event provided for in the foregoing Article, to co-operate with Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, employing his naval and military forces for the purpose aforesaid; and, the case arising, to concert with Her Majesty the measures which shall be taken, separately or in common,

to secure the neutrality and independence of Belgium.

ARTICLE III



This Treaty shall be binding on the High Contracting Parties during the continuance of the present war between the North German Confederation and France, and for twelve months after the ratification of any Treaty of Peace concluded between those Parties; and on the expiration of that time the independence and neutrality of Belgium will, so far as the High Contracting Parties are respectively concerned, continue to rest as heretofore on Article

I of the Quintuple Treaty of the 19th of April, 1839.

ARTICLE IV



The present Treaty shall be ratified, and the ratifications shall be

exchanged at London as soon as possible.



In witness wherof the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed the same,

and have affixed thereto the seal of their arms.

Done at London, the 9th day of August, in the year of our Lord 1870.



(L. S.) GRANVILLE,

(L. S.) BERNSTORFF.




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APPENDIX
<A NAME="C"></A>C
TREATY

BETWEEN HER MAJESTY
AND THE EMPEROR OF THE FRENCH
RELATIVE TO
THE INDEPENDENCE AND NEUTRALITY

OF BELGIUM
Signed at London, August 11, 1870
PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT BY
COMMAND OF HER MAJESTY, 1871
(Ratifications exchanged at London, August 26, 1870)



Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and His Majesty the Emperor of the French, being desirous at the present time of recording in a solemn Act their fixed determination to maintain the independence and neutrality of Belgium, as provided by Article VII of the Treaty signed at London on the 19th of April, 1839, between Belgium and the Netherlands, which Article was declared by the Quintuple Treaty of 1839 to be considered as having the same force and value as if textually in the said Quintuple Treaty, their said Majesties have determined to conclude between themselves a separate Treaty, which, without impairing or invalidating the conditions of the said Quintuple Treaty, shall be subsidiary and accessory to it; and they have accordingly named as their Plenipotentiaries for the

purpose, that is to say: * * *



Who, after having communicated to each other their respective full powers, found in good and due form, have agreed upon and concluded the following

Articles:

ARTICLE I



His Majesty the Emperor of the French having declared that, notwithstanding the hostilities in which France is now engaged with the North German Confederation and its Allies, it is his fixed determination to respect the neutrality of Belgium, so long as the same shall be respected by the North German Confederation and its Allies, Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland on her part declares that, if during the said hostilities the armies of the North German Confederation and its Allies should violate that neutrality, she will be prepared to co-operate with His Imperial Majesty for the defense of the same in such manner as may be mutually 'agreed upon, employing for that purpose her naval and military forces to insure its observance, and to maintain, in conjunction with His Imperial Majesty, then and thereafter,

the independence and neutrality of Belgium.



It is clearly understood that Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland does not engage herself by this Treaty to take part in any of the general operations of the war now carried on between France and the North German Confederation and its Allies, beyond the limits of Belgium, as defined in the Treaty between Belgium and the Netherlands

of April 19, 1839.

ARTICLE II



His Majesty the Emperor of the French agrees on his part, in the event provided for in the foregoing Article, to co-operate with Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, employing his naval and military forces for the purpose aforesaid; and, the case arising, to concert with Her Majesty the measures which shall be taken, separately

or in common, to secure the neutrality and independence of Belgium.

ARTICLE III



This Treaty shall be binding on the High Contracting Parties during the continuance of the present war between France and the North German Confederation and its Allies, and for twelve months after the ratification of any Treaty of Peace concluded between those Parties; and on the expiration of that time the independence and neutrality Of Belgium will, so far as the High Contracting Parties are respectively concerned, continue to rest, as heretofore,

on Article I of the Quintuple Treaty of the 19th of April, 1839.

ARTICLE IV



The present Treaty shall be ratified, and the ratifications shall be

exchanged at London as soon as possible.



In witness whereof the respect[ive] Plenipotentiaries have signed the

same, and have affixed thereto the seal of their arms.

Done at London, the 11th day of August, in the year of our Lord, 1870.



(L. S.) GRANVILLE,

(L. S.) LA VALETTE.




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APPENDIX
<A NAME="D"></A>D
THE FRENCH PLAN OF CAMPAIGN
(From the North German Gazette of September 30, 1914)



The plans for the general French advance against the German forces were found among the papers of a French officer, captured near Verdun. They are

as follows:



First Army, consisting of the I, II, III and X army-corps, concentrates

at Maubeuge;



Second Army, consisting of the IX, XI, IV and. VI army-corps,. concentrates

at Verdun;



Third Army, consisting of the XX, V. and VIII army-corps, concentrates

at Toul;



Fourth Army, consisting of the XIII, XII, XVII and XVIII army-corps,

concentrates at Epinal;



Fifth Army, consisting of the VII, XIV, XV and XVI army-corps, concentrates

at Belfort.



The First Army unites with the English and Belgian forces, and. after marching through Belgium, occupies Cologne and Coblenz, and opposes the

German forces advancing from Northern Germany.



The Second Army has to occupy Metz, and, after having accomplished this,

turns towards Saarlouis and Coblenz, where it will join with the First Army.



The Third Army penetrates Lorraine, occupies the northern part of the

Vosges, and will then take up a position before Strassburg.



The Fourth Army occupies the remainder of the Vosges and afterwards follows

the advance of the other Armies as reserve reinforcement.



The Fifth Army will storm Altkirch and Muehlhausen, and then remove towards

Strassburg, which is to be taken, after which it joins the Third Army.

After which there will remain only three armies, that is to say:



Army A in Coblenz,
Army C in Strassburg,

Army D in reserve.


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APPENDIX
<A NAME="E"></A>E
EXTRACT FROM THE SPEECH OF THE

IMPERIAL CHANCELLOR,

DR. VON BETHMANN HOLLWEG
GIVEN IN THE REICHSTAG, ON AUGUST 4, 1914
(Translated from the Supplement to the North German Gazette of August 9, 1914)



"Gentlemen: We are, at present, in a state of legitimate defense and necessity knows no law! [FOOTNOTE: This translation does not render exactly the German original "Wir sind jetzt in Notwehr; und Not kennt kein Gebot!" but the English language hardly suggests any other rendering.] Our troops have occupied Luxembourg; perhaps they have entered already Belgian territory. Gentlemen, this is contrary to the rules of international law. It is true that the French Government has declared at Brussels that it would respect Belgium's neutrality as long as the adversary would respect it. However, we knew that France was ready for an invasion. France could afford to wait, but we could not! A French invasion at our flank, at the Lower Rhine, could have become fatal to us. Thus, we were forced to disregard the justified protests of the Governments of Luxembourg and Belgium. The wrong---I speak openly---the wrong which thereby we commit, we shall try to make good as soon as our military aim is attained. Whoever is threatened as we are, is not allowed to have any other consideration

beyond that how he will hack his way through!"


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APPENDIX
<A NAME="F"></A>F
FAC-SIMILE REPRODUCTIONS OF THE
"BRUSSELS DOCUMENTS"



a. <A HREF="images/Belg1.jpg">The original cover</A>, in which the report

of General Ducarne was found.



b. <A HREF="images/Belg2.gif">The report</A> of General Ducarne to the Belgian Minister of War, concerning his military conversations with

the British Lieutenant-Colonel Barnardiston.



c. The Minutes of the military conversations between General Jungbluth and the British Lieutenant-Colonel Bridges. [<A HREF="images/Belg3a.gif">page one</A>, <A HREF="images/Belg3b.gif">page two</A>, <A HREF="images/Belg3c.gif">page

three</A>, <A HREF="images/Belg3d.gif">page four</A>]


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APPENDIX
<A NAME="G"></A>G
ENGLAND AND BELGIUM
NEW DOCUMENTS CONCERNING ENGLAND'S BREACH OF NEUTRALITY
(From the North German Gazette of December 2, 1914)



Further proofs have been found that England, in cooperation with Belgium, had prepared the war against Germany already during peace time to the utmost, not only in a diplomatic but also in a military way. Recently, our troops seized some secret military guide-books about Belgium, edited by the British General Army Staff, entitled: "Belgium, Road and River Reports, prepared

by the General Staff, War Office."



We are in possession of four volumes of this handbook, of which volume I was printed in 1912, volume 2 in 1913, volume 3 (in two parts) and volume

4 in 1914.



They show the following imprint: "Confidential. This book is the property of the British Government and is to be used for the personal information of . . . . . . . who himself is responsible for the safe keeping

of the book. The contents are to be revealed to authorized persons only."



The handbook contains evidences of military investigations in the minutest and most exact descriptions of the territory. The introduction reads as follows: "These reports can give only the condition of the roads at the time in which they were investigated. It will always be advisable to investigate them again before they are used, in order to make sure that

they are not closed on account of repairs, pipe laying," etc.



Thus, for instance, in volume 1, page 130 and following, the great highroad, Nieuport-Dixmude-Ypres-Menin-Tourcoing-Tournai, is described and accompanied by maps, with special regard to quality of the roads, the surrounding country, tactic considerations, observation posts and water conditions. In this discussion all the villages along the highroad are enumerated and described. Thus we find their exact distance from one another, detailed descriptions of the road net, with reference to elevations, bridges, crossings, telephone and telegraph stations, railway stations, including length of platforms and landing places; branch lines, oil tanks, etc. It is always mentioned whether

the population speaks partly or altogether French.



As an illustration we may cite the tactical remarks about Dixmude on

page 151:



It will be difficult to take Dixmude from the north or from the south. The best position for defense against attacks from the south would be the railway embankment in the west as far as the street, to the east a number of small bills. As far as 1,500 yards west of the street the field is favorable for firing; farther to the east the view is obstructed by trees. Two battalions would be sufficient for occupation. The hostile artillery probably would be situated near Hoogmolen and Vertkant; otherwise there is nothing of tactical importance, nor is there anything which might retard marching. Point of observation, the mill of Reencheek permitting of a free panoramic view; also the Koelberg, seven and one-half miles distant from Ypres, with

outlook toward the east and south.



It may be mentioned that the church towers are usually mentioned as good

observation points.



In a similar detailed manner the entire course of the Scheldt, with all tributaries, villages, landings, opportunities for crossing, widths and

depths, bridges, supply of boats, etc., is described.



Thus the handbooks form an excellent guide for the army leader, the officer of the general staff and for officers second in command. To the book are

added:



First---A schedule containing information about communities and villages for purposes of billeting; furthermore, instructions regarding transportation

and all other items which may be needed by the local commander.



Second---A number of important hints to aviators for that part of Belgium which is situated south of the line Charleroi-Namur-Liége as well

as for the surroundings of Brussels.



This very carefully and comprehensively drawn memorandum is supplemented by a map showing the landing places. It bears the inscription "Secret"

and is dated July, 1914.



These military geographical handbooks cannot be supposed to have been written shortly before or during the war. That would, aside from putting them in print, have been impossible. The material for the work has, on the contrary, as may be seen from remarks in the different parts, been collected

since 1909. The first volume was printed in 1912.



The manuals therefore prove a minute preparation carried on during the last five years for an English campaign in neutral Belgium. They are nothing else but secret regulations of military service for an English army fighting in Belgium. The English general staff therefore since long time prepared themselves for this event and foresaw the same so surely that they undertook

the painstaking work of compiling these military handbooks.



Without ready and far-reaching assistance on the part of the Belgian government and military authorities such at work would not have been possible. Those strategical and tactical reports, going into the minutest details, as mentioned above, or such exact data concerning railroads and transportation service, rolling stock, locks, and bridges, could not have been obtained in any other way. The schedules about the billeting capacity, which deal with Belgium as if it were English territory, could only be derived from the Belgian government. Without doubt official Belgium material has been used. It is made suitable for English purposes or at many places simply

translated into English!



Very extensively, indeed, England and Belgium had prepared themselves together during times of peace for military co-operation. Belgium in political as well as in military matters was nothing but a vassal state of England. The indignation which England today is putting tip before the world because of Germany's so-called breach of neutrality is made altogether meaningless

and unjust by those documents.



When on account of our operations at the coast the English and French press remarked sneeringly that we were not sufficiently instructed about the dangers of the inundation district in the so-called "Polderland" they were right in so far as before the beginning of the war we did not know Belgian territorial conditions any better than may be learned from

sources obtainable in the book market.



The English reconnoitering reports and the excellent maps, therefore, were very valuable booty for us. We were able to make immediate use of this remarkable material and thus could fight England with her own weapons. That should be the best indication of the importance of our enemies' painstaking

labor.


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APPENDIX
<A NAME="H"></A>H
HOW ENGLAND PLAYED WITH BELGIAN
NEUTRALITY
(From the North German Gazette of December 15, 194)



New and convincing evidence with reference to the Anglo-Belgian complicity has been found. Some time ago there was detained in Brussels the British Secretary of Legation, Grant-Watson, who had remained in the British Legation after the office had been transferred to Antwerp and later on to Havre. This Grant-Watson has been caught in the act of disposing of a number of documents which he at the time of his detention had taken with him from

the Legation.



An investigation of these documents showed that they were of the most intimate kind, containing exact information, of the years 1913 and 1914, about the Belgian mobilization plans and about the defense of Antwerp. Among them were also found circular decrees directed to the higher Belgian commands, with fac-simile signatures of the Belgian Minister of War and the Belgian General Staff. Furthermore, a report of a session of the "commission

for the provisions base at Antwerp" of May 27, 1913, was found.



The fact that these documents had been at the British Legation sufficiently proves that the Belgian Government in military matters had no secrets from the British Government and that those two governments had a continuous and

most intimate understanding in military matters.



Of especial interest is also a handwritten note which was found with the papers and for the destruction of which the British Secretary was very

anxious. It was of the following tenor:

RENSEIGNEMENTS



(1) Les officiers français ont reçu ordre de rejoindre

dès le 27, après-midi.



(2) Le même jour le chef de Gare de Feignies a reçu ordre de concentrer vers Maubeuge tous les wagons fermés disponibles en

vue de transport de troupes.

Communiqué par la Brigade de gendarmerie de Frameries.

INFORMATION



(1) The French officers have received order to rejoin on the 27th in

the afternoon.



(2) The same day the station master at Feignies has received order to concentrate toward Maubeuge all available closed railway cars in view of

transport of troops.

Communicated by the brigade de gendarmerie at Frameries.



It is of interest to note that Feignies is a railway station on the Maubeuge-Mons

line, about three kilometers from the Franco-Belgian boundary.



From this note we learn that France as early as July 27 had taken her first mobilization measures and that the English Legation received notice

of this fact immediately from the Belgian Government.



If there were any need for further proof of the relations which existed between England and Belgium the material found would be a valuable supplement

in that respect.



It shows again that Belgium had abandoned her neutrality in favor of the entente and that she had become an active member of that coalition, which was formed for the purpose of fighting Germany. For England, however, Belgian neutrality meant nothing more than a "scrap of paper," which she appealed to if it were advantageous to her interests and which she ignored if this were more to her purposes. It is plain that the English Government used the violation of Belgian neutrality by Germany as a pretext only in order to make the world and the English people believe that her

cause for the war was a just one.


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APPENDIX
<A NAME="I"></A>I
EXTRACT FROM THE SPEECH OF THE
IMPERIAL CHANCELLOR
MADE IN THE GERMAN REICHSTAG, ON DECEMBER 2, 1914.
(From the North German Gazette of Dec. 3, 1914)



Belgium's neutrality which England pretended to be shielding is nothing

but a mask.



On August 2, at 7 P. m., we informed Brussels that France's plan of campaign, known to us, compelled us, for reasons of self-preservation, to march through Belgium. But the same afternoon already, that is to say before anything of that démarche was known and could be known at London, the British Government had pledged its support to France, pledged it unconditionally in case the German fleet attacked the French coast. Not one word was then said of Belgium's neutrality. This fact is established by the declaration of Sir Edward Grey in the House of Commons on August 3, which, owing to the difficulties in the transmission of telegrams prevailing at that time, was not known to me in full on August 4---and it is confirmed by the Blue

Book, issued by the British Government.



<A NAME="p228"></A>How then can England pretend that she drew the sword

because we violated Belgium's neutrality?



How could British statesmen, who accurately knew the past, talk of Belgian

neutrality at all?



When on August 4, 1 referred to the wrong we were doing in marching through Belgium it was not yet known for certain whether in the hour of affliction the Brussels Government would not decide after all to spare the country and to retire to Antwerp under protest. Remembering that, after the occupation of Liége, I addressed renewed offers in that sense to the Belgian Government, at the request of our Army Administration, you will understand that, on August 4, for military reasons, the possibility for such a development

had to be kept open under all circumstances.



Even then the guilt of the Belgian Government was apparent from many a sign. I had not yet any positive documentary proofs thereof at my disposal,

but the British statesmen were perfectly familiar with those proofs.



The documents which, in the meantime, have been found at Brussels, and which have been given publicity by me, prove and establish in what way and

to what degree Belgium had surrendered her neutrality to England.



The whole world is now acquainted with two outstanding facts---first, when, in the night from the 3d to the 4th of August, our troops entered Belgium, they were not on neutral soil, but on the soil of a state that had long abandoned its neutrality; second, England has declared war on us, not for the sake of Belgium's neutrality, which she herself had helped to undermine, but because she believed that, with the co-operation of two great

military Powers of the Continent, she could overcome and master us.



Ever since August 2, when she promised armed support to France, England was no longer neutral but actually in a state of war with us. Her pointing at our violation of Belgium's neutrality, when she declared war on us on August 4, was nothing but a spectacular trick, intended to deceive the English

people and foreign neutral countries about her true war motives.



The war plans which England and Belgium had worked out together to the minutest details now being unveiled, the policy of British statesmen is

branded in world history, for all time to come!


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APPENDIX
<A NAME="K"></A>K
AFFIDAVITS CONCERNING THE PRESENCE OF FRENCH

TROOPS ON
BELGIAN SOIL PRIOR TO THE

GERMAN INVASION



[FOOTNOTE: Taken from Dr. Richard Grasshof's Belgiens Schuld, where the author expressly states that he has selected these sworn testimonials from a large number of depositions made before the German authorities, concerning

this matter.]

1.



Julian Requet---wrongly called Louis Bellard---sub-corporal

in the 8th regiment of Hussars in the French Army, states:



"Together with two other hussars I was out on patrol. While these two probably fell, I, losing my horse, succeeded in getting away, hurried to the next village, where I changed my clothes in a house. Thus I was captured

alone and can give no information as to the whereabouts of other comrades.



"Upon being asked, the aforementioned stated that his regiment was mobilized on July 30, 1914. The regiment left its garrison on July 31st and was detrained at midnight in Hirson. In the same night the regiment rode to Laneuville-aux-Tourneurs, where it remained two days. From there it then proceeded to Donchery, and on August 2nd from there to Bouillon. At Bouillon they united with the dragoon regiments 23 and 27, also with the 3d regiment of Hussars. These regiments are said to have crossed the

frontier simultaneously."

2.



Being duly sworn, Gaston Omar Eugene Sailly, in civil life hairdresser at St. Omer, since March, 1913, active soldier in the 21st French regiment

of dragoons, states:



"The 21st French regiment of dragoons was transported by rail from Noyon, its garrison, to Hirson in one day, and on the same day the regiment took quarters in villages in the vicinity of Hirson; the second squadron, to which I belong, at Bossus. The second squadron remained several days at Bossus. On the evening of the latter day, about between six and seven o'clock, I was in Bossus in the place of a hairdresser, who sold tobacco and had a taproom. In the room in which I sat during this time a bell rang. The hairdresser stepped to the telephone; someone spoke to him. When he hung up the receiver he called out to me that he had received per telephone, just now, the news that just then in France the mobilization had been ordered. I know positively that the second squadron left Bossus early the next morning and soon thereafter joined the other squadrons. The regiment made a day's march to the Belgian city Bouillon, near which the Belgian-French border was crossed. Simultaneously with the 21st also the 5th French regiment of dragoons, and also one or several French regiments of cuirassiers which I saw, but the number of which I do not know, together with artillery, the regimental number of which I also do not know, crossed the Franco-Belgian frontier in the direction of Bouillon. Bouillon, therefore, was reached on the same day on the morning of which the 21st regiment of dragoons had ridden out of Bossus and the villages in the vicinity. The 21st regiment of dragoons rode through Bouillon and spent the night in the immediate vicinity, the second squadron in a small church village, a few kilometers distant. On the next morning the 21st and 5th regiments of dragoons, forming a brigade, rode northward deeper into Belgium. There also were French cavalry regiments, especially cuirassiers and artillery, which I am not able to specify more

minutely."

3.



Gustave Cochard, from Rimogne, since the fall of 1913 active soldier

in the 28th French regiment of dragoons, states under oath:



"On July 31, 1914, at 10 a. m., the two regiments of dragoons, the 28th and the 30th, garrisoned at Sedan, proceeded into the field. At first they rode together in France, along the State Street to Mouzon, where they arrived about noon. In the hours of the afternoon, about between 2 and 2:30, there arrived from a different direction, in the village of Mouzon, four cannon of the 40th French artillery regiment, garrisoned in Meziers-Charleville, together. with munition wagons, whereupon the two regiments of dragoons, the 28th in the lead, then the guns, and following them the 30th regiment

of dragoons, started out, at first again in the direction towards Sedan.



"The dragoons rode four abreast, without guards; the 3d troop of the 3d squadron, to which I belonged, rode furthest in advance. I rode in the fourth file, and therefore was able to see everything that transpired

at the head of the detachment.



"When the detachment had arrived near the French village of Bazeilles, on the State highroad Mouzon-Sedan, it suddenly turned towards the North and proceeded via La Chapelle to the Belgian frontier. The Belgian-French frontier was crossed on July 31, 1914, at about 9 o'clock in the evening, or a few quarters of an hour thereafter, on the highroad La Chapelle-Bouillon, by the two French regiments of dragoons and the French battery. Lieutenant Malespieux, commanding my troop, rode at the head. On the spot where the highroad La Chapelle-Bouillon crosses the French border, a Belgian brigadier and four gendarmes on horse, who as such were without difficulty recognizable by their uniforms, reported to him. The brigadier and the four gendarmes were waiting already at this point when we arrived there. These five members of the gendarmerie then proceeded at the head and thus led the detachment to the city of Bouillon, located three miles from the French border on Belgian soil. A short distance before Bouillon, the 30th regiment of dragoons, separated from the detachment in order to take quarters on Belgian territory, so that only the 28th regiment of dragoons and the battery entered Bouillon on July 31, 1914, about 10 o'clock in the evening. The head of the regiment stopped in the city before the office of the burgomaster. Captain Lainez, commanding my squadron, entered the building. After some time---it may have been an hour---a municipal functionary brought from the burgomaster's office the quarter notices for the 28th regiment of dragoons and the battery, which was still standing in the street before the burgomaster's office. I then proceeded with about thirty other dragoons to my quarters, a barn within

the city.



"The night from July 31, 194, to August 1, 1914, therefore was spent by the 28th French regiment of dragoons and the French battery in the Belgian city of Bouillon, while the 30th regiment of dragoons also was lying in quarters on Belgian soil nearby. The reception on the part of the Belgian

population was in no way antagonistic, but on the contrary, very friendly.



"After the morning inspection, Lieutenant Malespieux, together with twenty-five dragoons, I among them, left, as a patrol, in an easterly direction, before six o'clock in the morning, alternately walking the horses, then in a trot, we proceeded along the highroad from Bouillon to Arlon, towards the east, constantly on Belgian soil. The ride of this patrol led from Bouillon on this road through the Belgian municipalities: St. Cécile, Chassepierre, Florenville, Pin, Vincent, Belle Fontaine, St. Marie to St. Laurent, which lies toward Arlon and is more than forty kilometers distant from Bouillon. Therefore, on August 1, 1914, more than forty kilometers were covered in an easterly direction, exclusively on Belgian soil. The officers' patrol, twenty-five men, arrived at St. Laurent after nine o'clock in the evening. Lieutenant Malespieux rode according to the map; on the way he did not send out any smaller patrols. About an hour later, the entire regiment of the 28th dragoons and the French battery arrived in St. Laurent The men stated that they had followed on the same road along which the patrol had proceeded. They had ridden together with the 30th regiment of dragoons and the French battery up to within a short distance of St. Laurent, in the neighborhood of which the 30th regiment of dragoons separated from the rest of the column and proceeded to a Belgian village situated a few kilometers distant from St. Laurent. The two regiments of dragoons and the battery therefore proceeded

on August 1, 1914, more than forty kilometers, advancing into Belgian territory.



"When I, on August 1st, together with the officers' patrol of twenty-five men, riding along the State highroad Bouillon-Arlon, this patrol, in the section Bouillon-Florenville, passed a country road which crosses the highroad Bouillon-Florenville and the open field. According to my recollection, about 500 meters behind this crossing, there is a village through which we rode, situated about three kilometers from Florenville. To the right of the highroad, three French cavalry regiments were standing as we were passing this crossing point of the two roads. The men called out to us that they were the Third and Sixth Cuirassiers, and the French 4th regiment of hussars. As we passed, the three French cavalry regiments set also in motion and followed the patrol for several hours. A considerable number of kilometers, it may have been ten, after riding through Florenville, the three cavalry regiments, which we had met in probably the earlier hours of the afternoon of August 1, 1914, at the road-crossing on Belgian soil, and which had followed us for several hours, turned to the left, and therefore entered still more deeply into

Belgium.



"Any mistake concerning the fact that the two regiments of dragoons and the battery crossed the Belgian frontier on the evening of July 31, 1914, and remained at least the entire following week uninterruptedly on

Belgian territory, is excluded if only for the following reason:



"On about July 20, 1914, 1 had entered a request for a fourteen days' furlough to my home, Rimonge, and this had been granted and was to begin on August 1, 1914. Even in the evening of July 30, 1914, nothing was known of the mobilization, and I was of the opinion that on August 1, 1914, 1 would be able to go home for a fortnight. The physical inspection, to which every French soldier must submit before he goes on furlough, had been ordered for me the morning of July 31, 1914. Instead of meeting the physician on July 31, 1914, and going on furlough on August 1, I was obliged on July 31, 194, to suddenly proceed to the field. That has impressed itself on my memory indelibly. I repeat that every error as to my mentioning of time

and dates is out of the question."


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APPENDIX
<A NAME="L"></A>L
THE ENGLISH PRESS OF 1887 ON
BELGIUM'S NEUTRALITY
1
THE BETRAYAL OF BELGIUM
WHAT THE ENGLISH TORIES ONCE SAID
(The Labour Leader, February 4, 1915)



In the records of political hypocrisy we doubt if there is anything more complete or more dishonest than that of the British Tory Party, regarding Belgium, and we give today a proof which must make honest men stand aghast and fill decent citizens with disgust. On February 4, 1887, The Standard published a letter and leading article, both of which we reproduce below. At that time The Standard was the official organ of the Tory Government; its editor was a bosom friend of Lord Salisbury, and every pronouncement of this character which appeared in it was to all intents and purposes a Government statement. It will be noted that in the leading article "Diplomaticus" is described as being a person of high authority, and his letter has been regarded as official by writers on diplomatic history like M. Milovanovitch. (Traités de Garantie au XIX Siècle, Paris (1888), p.

465).



Standard, Friday, February 4, 1887

To the Editor of The Standard:



Sir:---Military experts are of the opinion that France has spent so much money, and spent it so well during the last sixteen years in providing herself with a fresh military frontier, that a direct advance by the German armies into France, past the new fortresses and forts that have been erected and

linked together, would be, even if possible, a very hazardous undertaking.



But if Germany was, or considered itself to be, provoked into a struggle of life and death with France would Prince Bismarck, with the mighty forces he can set in motion, consent to be baffled by the artificial obstacles to which I have alluded, so long as there existed a natural and undefended

road by which he could escape from his embarrassment?



Such a road or way out does exist. It lies on Belgian territory. But the neutrality of Belgium is protected by European guarantee and England

is one of the guarantors.



In 1870 Earl Granville, then at the head of the English Foreign Office, alive to this danger, promptly and wisely bound England to side with France

if Prussia violated Belgian territory and with Prussia if France did so.



Would Lord Salisbury act prudently to take upon himself a similar engagement in the event of a fresh conflict between these two countries? It is for Englishmen to answer the question. But it seems to me, as one not indifferent to the interests and greatness of England, that such a course at the present moment would be unwise to the last degree. However much England might regret the invasion of Belgian territory by either party to the struggle, she could not take part with France against Germany (even if Germany were to seek to turn the French flank by putting its armies through the Belgian Ardennes) without utterly vitiating and destroying the main purpose of English policy

all over the world.



But, it will be asked, must not England honor its signature and be faithful to its public pledges? I reply that your Foreign Minister ought to be equal to the task of meeting this objection without committing England to war. The temporary use of a right of way is something different from a permanent and wrongful possession of territory; and surely England would be easily able to obtain from Prince Bismarck ample and adequate guarantees that, at the close of the conflict, the territory of Belgium should remain intact

as before?



You will see, sir, that I raise, in a very few words, an exceedingly important question. It is for the English people to perpend and pronounce.

But it is high time they reflected on it.



I am, sir, your obedient servant,

"DIPLOMATICUS."



Upon this, The Standard, in a leading article, wrote as follows:

Standard Leading Article, February 4, 1887



We are reminded this morning, by a correspondent who speaks with high authority, that while we are all wondering how long it will be before a fresh conflict breaks out between France and Germany, Englishmen are shutting their eyes to a question closely, and perhaps inevitably, allied with that contingent event, and affecting the interests of this country more vitally than they could be affected even by any probable result from the struggle between those two powerful States. In the event of war between Germany and France, and in case either Germany or France were to disregard the neutrality of Belgian territory, what ought England to do? That is the question and he indicates pretty plainly a reply with which, we may at once say, we do not believe the English people will be disposed to quarrel. In order, however, to enable them to respond to the inquiry with full knowledge and deliberate judgment, it is necessary to lay before them the facts and the contingencies of the situation somewhat more amply and more in extenso than is done by "Diplomaticus." On the declaration of war by France against Prussia in 1870, Earl Granville, as we all know, with more promptness and decision than be usually displayed, sought to secure respect for Belgian territory by notifying that, should either combatant ignore the neutrality secured to it by public treaty, England would side actively with the other combatant. It may be said, why cannot the same course be pursued once more in the event of a similar condition of affairs coming into play? The answer is that a similar condition of affairs no longer exists. In the first place, in 1870 neither of the combatants had any pressing necessity to resort to a violation

of Belgian territory in the execution of their military designs.



The territory of Germany was avowedly vulnerable in several places, and

France was so assured of her military superiority



---that no precautions had been taken against the possibility of France being invaded. . . . Metz and Strassburg are now German fortresses; and no one requires to be told that Germany has neglected no precautions or expedients to render the invasion of the territory of the Fatherland a difficult if not an impracticable undertaking. Armed to the head for offense, Germany is likewise armed to the heel for defense. She is more invulnerable than Achilles, for there is no point uncovered.

How stands it with France as regards defense against invasion? . . . Not only does France possess a first line of fortresses, contiguous to German territory, in Belfort, Epinal, Toul, and Verdun, but all four are linked with each other in succession by another line of detached forts . . . a direct advance by the German armies into France by the new fortresses and forts that have been erected and linked together would be, even if possible, a very hazardous undertaking. There are, however, two other ways of entering France from Germany. One is through Switzerland, the other is through Belgium. Both are what is understood by "neutral territory," but the mountainous character of Switzerland renders access to France through its passes more arduous and less accessible than through the territory of Belgium. In case the German armies found themselves practically prevented from engaging in offensive military operations against France by the admirable line of defense with which she has provided herself, would Prince Bismarck and the great soldiers whom he would inspire consent to be thwarted by the inviolability of Belgium as guaranteed by European treaty? "Diplomaticus" puts the question with undiplomatic bluntness. He forbears from answering it, and so must we. But it will be obvious to everybody that there is a possibility, a danger, of Germany not being willing to be debarred from invading France by an obstacle that has grown up since the treaty guaranteeing the neutrality of Belgium was signed. Our readers will at once perceive that the situation is absolutely different from the one that existed in 1870 when Earl Granville quickly and cheerfully imposed on England the obligation to take part against either combatant that violated Belgian soil. Neither combatant was much tempted to do so, and thus the engagement assumed by England---a very proper one at the time---was not very serious or onerous and saved appearances rather than created responsibility. Now the situation is entirely changed. If England, with a view to securing respect for Belgian territory, were to bind itself, as in 1870, to throw its weight into the balance against either France or Germany, should either France or Germany violate Belgian ground, we might, and probably should, find ourselves involved in a war of giants on our own account.

We think that "Diplomaticus" understands the English people when he hints his suspicion that such a result would be utterly alien alike to their wishes and to their interests. For over and above the fact that, as we have seen, the temptation to violate Belgian territory by either side is much greater than it was in 1870, the relations of England with European Powers have necessarily and naturally undergone considerable modification during that period. We concur with our correspondent in the opinion he expresses that for England and Germany to quarrel, it matters not upon what subject, would be highly injurious to the interests of both. Indeed, he is right when he says that the main outlines of our policy would be blurred and its main purposes embarrassed, if not defeated, were we suddenly to find ourselves in a state of hostility to Germany instead of one of friendliness and sympathy. No doubt if Germany were to outrage the honor or disregard the interests of England we should be ready enough to accept the challenge thrown down to us. But would the violation of Belgian territory, whether by Germany or France, be such an injury to our honor and such a blow to our interests? It might be so in certain circumstances and it would assuredly be so if it involved a permanent violation of the independence of Belgium. But, as "Diplomaticus" ingeniously suggests, there is all the difference in the world between the momentary use of a "right of way," even if the use of the right of way be, in a sense, wrongful, and the appropriation of the ground covered by the right of way. We trust that both Germany and France would refrain even from this minor trespass. But if they did not? If one or the other were to say to England, "All the military approaches to France and Germany have been closed, and only neutral approaches lie open to us. This state of things is not only detrimental but fatal to our military success, and it has arisen since the treaty guaranteed the sacredness of the only roads of which we can now avail ourselves. We will, as a fact, respect the independence of Belgium, and we will give you the most solemn and binding guarantees that at the end of the conflict Belgium shall be as free and independent as before," if Germany (and of course our hypothesis applies also to France) were to use this language---though we trust there will be no occasion for it---we cannot doubt what would be the wise and proper course for England to pursue, and what would be the answer of the English Government. England does not wish to shirk its true responsibilities. But it would be madness for us to incur or to assume responsibilities unnecessarily when to do so would manifestly involve our participation in a tremendous war.

That week The Spectator, the organ of the respectable classes, commented upon these pronouncements as follows:

Spectator, Saturday, February 5, 1887
News of the Week



. . . the general idea is that England will be kept out of this war. . . . That she will try to do so we do not doubt, but there is the Belgian difficulty ahead. Our guarantee for her is not a solitary one, and would not bind us to fight alone; but there are general interests to be considered. The probability is that we shall insist on her not becoming a theatre of war but shall not bar---as indeed we cannot bar---the traversing of her soil.

We think that these documents prove the grave statements by which we introduced them.

2.
THE BETRAYAL OF BELGIUM
WHAT THE ENGLISH LIBERALS ONCE SAID
(The Labour Leader, February 11, 1915)



The article we published recently from The Standard appeared in its issue of February 4, 1887. That afternoon the Pall Mall Gazette, then edited by Mr. Stead, whose aggressive Liberalism on the subject of small nationalities and sacredness of treaties is well known, published the following article:

"Pall Mall Gazette," February 4, 1887

England and Belgium.
Are we bound to intervene?
There is no guarantee.

The Standard this morning gives special prominence to a letter signed "Diplomaticus" on the neutrality of Belgium. It also devotes its first leading article to the subject. The gist of these utterances may be summed up in two propositions: (1) England is under a treaty of obligation to defend the neutrality of Belgium; (2) But circumstances have altered since the contraction of the said obligation, and as against Germany, at any rate, England must pocket its pledges, and allow France to be invaded through Belgium without protesting or interfering.

Considerable importance is likely to be attributed to these conclusions abroad owing to its being understood that The Standard is at present the Governmental Salisburian organ. Each of the propositions laid down by our contemporary is, it will be seen, likely to be taken hold of. Germany. might read the second as an invitation to invade France through Belgium; France might read the first as an admission of our obligation to prevent, or rather to punish, such an infringement of neutral territory, if we dared.

It becomes important, therefore, to point out that The Standard's argument rests on a false assumption. We do not for the present argue whether in the contingencies contemplated it would be England's interest to intervene by declaring war against whichever belligerent might violate the neutrality of Belgium; we confine ourselves to the preliminary statement essential for clearing up the case---that it is not England's obligation to do so.

The origin of the mistaken views prevailing on the question is undoubtedly a confusion between the Special Treaty of 1831 and 1839 which it temporarily superseded. By the treaty of 1870 the obligation of England was, of course, clear and specific. Here is the pledge which was given in the identical treaties concluded mutatis mutandis with both France and Prussia:

"Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland declares that if during the said hostilities the armies of France (or Prussia) should violate the neutrality of Belgium, she will be prepared to co-operate with his Prussian Majesty (or the Emperor of the French) for the defense of the same in such a manner as may be mutually agreed upon, employing for that purpose her naval and military forces to ensure its observance."

There could be no doubt about that pledge; but then it expired twelve months after the conclusion of peace. At the expiration of that period, so the treaty continued:

"The independence and neutrality of Belgium will, so far as the High Contracting Parties are respectively concerned, continue to rest as heretofore on the first article of the Quintuple Treaty of the 19th of April, 1839."

Now, what some people do is to read this treaty of 1839 by the light of the more specific treaty of 1870, and to deduce from the former the same obligation on the part of England to intervene against any infringement of Belgium's neutrality as was contained in the 1870 treaty.

This, however, is a completely untenable proceeding. The treaty of 1839 must stand on its own legs, and these, it will be seen, are by no means very strong. The following are the terms of its second article:



"His Majesty the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and Bohemia, His Majesty the King of the French, Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, His Majesty the King of Prussia, and His Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias, declare that the articles hereby annexed to the treaty concluded this day between His Majesty the King of the Belgians and His Majesty the King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, are considered as having the same force and value as if they were textually inserted in the present act, and that they are thus

placed under the guarantee of their Majesties."

Here, then, we are sent off from the treaty between the Great Powers to the treaty between Belgium and the Netherlands. The seventh article of this treaty (which is identical with the same article of the 1831 treaty) runs:



"Belgium will form, within the limits indicated in 1, 2, and 4, an independent and perpetually neutral State. She will be bound to observe

this same neutrality toward all other States."

In this treaty it will be seen there is nothing about any guarantee; all that can be elicited from it, and from the one cited as referring to it, is this, that this clause is placed under the guarantee of "their said Majesties," that is, England, Austria, France, Germany and Russia.

But that is not all. This constructive guarantee must be considered in relation to the party to whom it was given---namely to the Netherlands. For the treaty of 1839 was one between the five Powers on the one hand and the Netherlands on the other; and what the five Powers did was to guarantee to the Netherlands the treaty contracted between it and Belgium, one clause of which treaty said that Belgium should form, "an independent and perpetually neutral State" and should "be bound to observe such neutrality toward all other States."

In the treaty of 1831, it is true, there was a further article guaranteeing the execution of all preceding articles (including, therefore, the one just cited in similar terms from the 1839 treaty) to the King of the Belgians, but in the 1839 treaty, on which the independence of Belgian is now said to rest, Lord Palmerston omitted any such guarantee.

There is, therefore, no English guarantee to Belgium. It is possible, perhaps, to "construct such a guarantee; but the case may be summed up as follows: (1) England is under no guarantee whatever except such as is common to Austria, France, Russia, and Germany; (2) that guarantee is not specifically of the neutrality of Belgium at all; and (3) is given not to Belgium but to the Netherlands.

Pall Mall Gazette, February 5, 1887
OCCASIONAL NOTES.



The attempt of the Morning Post to prove that this country is under a guarantee to Belgium to defend its neutrality is highly unsuccessful. "The treaty of the 15th of November, 1831," it says, "was cancelled by treaties of the 19th of April, 1839, but the provisions regarding the neutrality of Belgium remained intact." This, as we pointed out yesterday, is not the case. The treaty of 1831 was with Belgium, and the execution of its articles (including one which provided for the neutrality of Belgium) was guaranteed to the King of the Belgians. But in the treaty of 1839, though the article asserting the neutrality of Belgium remains, the guarantee disappears. It is the more surprising that the Morning Post should be at such pains to prove that there is still a guarantee, since the only action it would in any case recommend being taken on it is a platonic protest. To construe a non-existent guarantee in order to have the privilege of uttering an unavailing protest is surely the very superfluity of futility.

But the line taken by the Morning Post is perhaps not quite so absurd as that which The Standard yesterday suggested, and a correspondent repeats this morning. We are to construct the guarantee and are then to declare our obligation to defend the neutrality of Belgium against all comers. But when any particular comer infringes that neutrality we are to grant him a special dispensation. The Standard and its correspondent speak only of giving this dispensation to Germany; what is to be allowed to Germany could not be denied to France. Our defense of the neutrality of Belgium would thus be never today but always every other day; it would be asserted against anyone in general, but withdrawn against anyone in particular. With such absurdities staring them in the face, it is surprising that our contemporaries do not take the trouble to ascertain that the guarantee which they are so ingeniously but unheroically whittling down does not in fact exist at all.

We wonder if national honour was held in less esteem in 1887 than in 1914. That cannot be the explanation of these articles and of the professions of Liberal and Tory politicians at the present moment. We have a shrewd suspicion that the real explanation is that in the minds of these politicians national honour is merely an affair of party convenience, that "circumstances" caused our diplomatists in 1887 to take one view, whereas in 1914 they caused the same gentlemen to take another view. The unsophisticated man in the street is steady all the time. He has an instinctive sense of what is right and what is wrong, and we shall have neither consistency nor honour in foreign politics until means are adopted which will enable him to control them. He is now a mere victim in the hands of Foreign Offices which muddle their business and the power to involve his life and his honour in whatever they say or do.