File No. 763.72/104
The Minister in Belgium (Whitlock) to the Secretary of State
Brussels, August 4, 1914, noon.
[Received 1:30 p.m.]
[Telegram]
The King, in fatigue uniform of Lieutenant General ready to take the field at the head of his army, opened parliament this morning amid scenes of tremendous enthusiasm. Prime Minister read correspondence with Germany, the tenor of which was indicated in my August 3, midnight. To this was added a note received this morning from German Minister announcing that Germany would [insist on?] her demands. Government considers this equivalent to declaration of war. I am informed in strictest confidence that King of England in personal message to King of the Belgians, not yet made public, has given formal assurances of support in the event of German invasion.