Conservative Party leaders write to the Prime Minister saying “… it would be fatal to the honour and security of the United Kingdom to hesitate in supporting France and Russia”.

Foreign Secretary reminds the cabinet of the 1912 agreement with France whereby the French fleet is concentrated in the Mediterranean and the British in the Channel and North Sea. The French coast is open to attack. He says he will resign if Britain does not support France. The cabinet eventually agree Britain will not allow German warships to enter the Channel.

Cabinet know if the government collapses its successor will be either a coalition or a Conservative minority government in favour of war.

Cabinet meet again and agree a substantial violation of the neutrality of Belgium would compel Britain to take action. If Belgium resists an invasion most in the cabinet now believe Britain must enter the war.