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Newspaper
Boston Post
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Date
Aug 03, 1914
Page
11
A series of wireless despatches received by the Post narrates the start of the war, noting German invasion of Luxembourg, seizure of offices, and reports that Germany may have declared war on France. Details include timestamps from London and Brussels and statements on Belgium neutrality.
It is believed German forces that invaded Luxemburg are heading toward the French border by Metz. The 1867 London treaty declared Luxemburg neutral and guaranteed its integrity and independence.
Brussels dispatch reports trains with German troops reaching Luxemburg and taking control of a German railway. Paris notes the Council of Ministers adjourned after a late night session and will resume talks this afternoon with no results yet announced.
A trainload of German soldiers arrived at Luxemburg station during the night and seized the station and bridges on the Treves and Trois Vierges line to assure regular military trains across the Grand Duchy. The major of Luxemburg volunteers protested neutrality, but the Germans claimed railway ownership and right to act.
A French fleet of 12 vessels moved through the Strait of Gibraltar today, heading east.
London reports from the French embassy that Germany could not reply to Britain's request about observing Belgian neutrality. Britain has guaranteed Belgium's neutrality and would be threatened if Belgium remains under German rule.
London reports that German forces invaded France with an official telegram received at 3:30 pm local time. The breakthrough occurred as troops crossed the frontier at Cirey, a village about midway between Nancy and Strasbourg.
Diplomatic despatches from Washington report Germany's declaration of war on Russia with no reference to hostilities against France. The situation is described as unchanged since midnight.
A German force moving through Luxemburg is reported to be marching on the French fortress at Longwy. Longwy is a fortified town on the Belgium frontier about 40 miles north-northwest of Metz.
An evening Liege newspaper reports 20,000 German troops crossed the French frontier near Nancy this morning. French forces engaged them and repulsed the attack with heavy losses. no war declaration accompanied the report.
Berlin reports a French aviator dropped bombs from an aeroplane on the outskirts of Nuremberg Bavaria. The military authorities say there has been no declaration of war and deem the act a crime against the rights of man.
The News of the World cites a wireless message claiming heavy fighting in the North Sea with a presumption that German and French fleets are engaging.
A Russian artillery supported column crossed into German territory at Schwinden southeast of Bialla. Two squadrons of Russian Cossacks moved toward Johannesburg in east Prussia, about 15 miles from the frontier.
Washington officials began drafting a neutrality proclamation today at the State Department and said it would likely be issued tomorrow. The move signals formal US stance amid ongoing international tensions.
Dispatches from Washington Copenhagen and Berne report England moving forces to the North Sea. Dane claims the German Baltic fleet heads toward the North Sea with only an armored cruiser and two old ships remaining at Kiel. Swiss legation in Washington orders all Swiss in the U S liable to military service to join their colors.
London August 2 Naval Reservists were summoned at 3 PM confirming Britain’s readiness to join the conflict. The move signals government intent to take part in the struggle.
Official dispatches received by President Wilson and Secretary Bryan show Italy reinforcing neutrality in the European crisis.
Secretary McAdoo began conferences with New York bankers on international finances for relief to Americans in distress abroad. President Wilson planned to join the discussions later.
Diplomatic despatches cite Germany's declaration of war on Russia but note no change in the overall situation since midnight. The report, filed at 12:30 p m, confirms hostilities not yet extended to other nations.
Emperor William arrived in Berlin this afternoon from Potsdam in an open automobile. He was met by tumultuous cheering from the crowd on the capital’s streets.
Germany having invaded France, it is felt in London that the time for action has arrived. There is reason to believe the cabinet meeting today completed preparations for instant action as circumstances demand.
A despatch from King's Lynn reports the British steamer Saxon departed with coal for Brunsbuttel and has been seized by the German navy and taken to Cuxhaven.
The Imperial staff reports a Russian patrol crossed into Posen near Eichenreich and attacked a German guard at the Warthe railway bridge. Two Germans were wounded and the assault repulsed. A Russian column also crossed near Schwinden, signaling Russia’s invasion. Also announced is severed telegraph links Brussels Luxemburg and King George signing a proclamation on suspension of specie payments.
A St Petersburg telegram reports the mobilization of Russian troops in the far east, received in Harbin, as of Aug 2 at 3 21 p m. The note confirms a military shift affecting eastern fronts during a period of heightened tensions.
The Central News reports a Wilson line ship from Britain was captured by German forces in the Kiel Canal during the afternoon of August 2.
News from Portsmouth and Gibraltar reports rising British precautions. All steamship communication through Portsmouth harbor is forbidden and Gibraltar issues a bay defense proclamation. German ships move to Spanish ports amid invasion news and global tension. London remains calm with crowds around Downing Street as Americans arrive from the continent.
Martial law declared in the German concession at Kiao-Chau. All foreigners ordered to depart. Germans in Pekin have moved to Tsing Tao as French and British nationals flee the area.
The British foreign office orders all army and navy reservists in America to be called out. Acting Consul-General Nosworthy reports the instruction and many reservists are expected to sail for England on the Lusitania next Tuesday.
Reports from Art on Belgium indicate 100,000 German troops crossing Luxembourg and massing near Liege on the French frontier. Frontier clashes are noted with German losses, while over 25,000 men dig trenches before German and French lines.
Paris dispatch reports that a German patrol suffered 22 fatalities at Longwy, including two officers and 20 men, after an attack was repulsed by opposing forces.
Paris reports M Viviani says Germany violated Luxemburg neutrality under the 1867 London treaty and sent troops across Wasserbilling and Remich bridges toward the south and the capital. French lines claim German armored trains and open fire at Petit Croix. Two German cavalry officers killed near Roncerey on the French side.
The Grand Duchy of Luxemburg is described as an independent constitutional monarchy covering about 1000 square miles with a population near 250 000 It was declared a neutral territory in 1867 by the London treaty and has a separate administration It remains within the German Zollverein and has French-leaning upper classes with a low German dialect as the spoken language
Rome reports the war situation with a colorless official note claiming Italy is calm and will not mobilize while conforming to treaty obligations. Public interpretation varies with some seeing neutrality and others predicting participation only if the Central Powers falter.
London report cites a Standard Berlin correspondent from Boxtel showing two million men called to colors in Germany. Recruits register, receive outfits, and are transported by railway reserved for troops. Proclamation crushes Socialist opposition, authorities control essentials, fuel, vehicles, and most horses. lighthouses shut off.
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