File No. 763.72111/10
The Ambassador in Germany (Gerard) to the Secretary of State
Berlin, August 4, 1914, 6 p.m.
[Received 7:55 p.m.]
[Telegram]
At opening Reichstag Chancellor announced Germany was compelled to violate neutrality Belgium come what may. Also that if England remained neutral no attack by German fleet would be made on north coast France or French merchant marine. Not molesting French merchant marine to be in return for similar agreement as to German merchant marine. Credit of five hundred [Page 43] milliards plus three hundred million marks voted without opposition and with great enthusiasm. No foreigners are permitted to leave Germany until mobilization over. No military news of importance. French Ambassador leaving and is sent out via Austrian Crowds in streets excitable and make many attacks on alleged Russians. I think war with England question of hours.