File No. 763.72/385
The Chargé d’Affaires in Denmark (Magruder) to the Secretary of State
Copenhagen, August 1, 1914.
[Received August 14.]
No. 796]
Sir: I have the honor to report that the situation which has arisen within the last few days in Europe is being watched with the greatest anxiety in Denmark. There is great agitation in Copenhagen and a general demand that the Government shall immediately mobilize the army. The Ministry, however, in order that Germany may not be unduly antagonized, seems disinclined to take such a step. Nevertheless it was decided, at a state council held last night, to mobilize the troops most necessary for the defense of Copenhagen, namely 1,400 sailors and 1,300 men of the coast artillery.
Late last night, the Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish Governments simultaneously issued similar declarations of neutrality, the Danish declaration being worded as follows:
As war has been declared between Austria-Hungary and Servia, the Royal Government declares, under date of July 31, that it has decided to observe a strict neutrality as far as Denmark is concerned. With regard to the neutrality requirements which must be observed, reference is made to the Royal decree of December 20, 1912.
Both houses of Parliament have been summoned to meet to-night in order to consider the situation and for the purpose of enacting legislation having in view the enforcement of Denmark’s neutrality.
I have [etc.]