Belgium, Monday, 3rd August

7.00 A.M. An official of the Belgian foreign ministry delivers the Belgian reply to the German legation. It includes the statement "Were Belgium to accept the proposals laid before it, the Belgian Government would sacrifice the nation's honour while being false to its duties towards Europe". [More]

10.55 A.M. Below wires Berlin that Belgium has rejected the German demand "and will oppose by force any violation of her neutrality". Later he also wires "Feeling towards Germany bad".

Brussels The Belgian government is careful not to openly side with the Entente powers, France and Britain, hoping when the German government realises Belgium will resist it will call off its invasion.

Late afternoon The British ambassador is given a copy of the German ultimatum and the Belgian reply and he wires summaries to London.