9.30 A.M.: French cabinet meets. Their main concern with Russia is not to stop Russian military preparations but to ensure Germany cannot blame Russia for provoking war.
They agree covering troops take up positions but on condition no train transport is used or reservists called up and most importantly, troops are to approach no closer than ten kilometres to the frontier to avoid contact between German and French patrols.
It is important for the sake of public opinion in France and the support of Britain that Germany is seen as the first country to take military action. [More]