8.00 A.M.: Brussels receives confirmation German troops have entered Belgium.

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

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.

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”.

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]

Belgium delivers its rejection of the German ultimatum 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”. To clear its invasion route to France, the German army starts the invasion of […]

Late evening: King Albert calls a Crown Council with his ministers. It goes on through the night. There is heated argument but not on whether or not to accept the German ultimatum. They are all agreed it should be rejected. The argument is over how best to resist the Germans. Should they fight near the […]

7.00 P.M.: Below arrives at Davignon’s office and hands him the note. Both men are upset and Davignon grows angry. He does not believe the German claim that France is about to attack. Davignon says the note will be dealt with immediately and Below leaves.

Brussels: Below is told by Berlin to open the sealed document he received on Wednesday and deliver the note inside to the Belgian government at 7.00 P.M. The note claims the French are about to attack Germany through Belgium and the Germans must be allowed to come through Belgium to repel this attack.He is to […]

German minister delivers ultimatum to Belgian Foreign Minister. It claims the French are about to attack Germany through Belgium and the Germans must be allowed to come through Belgium to repel this attack. The Foreign Minister is angry. He does not believe the German claim that France is about to attack Germany through Belgium. King […]