BRUSSELS, August 2, 1914.

VERY CONFIDENTIAL.

Reliable information has been received by the German Government to
the effect that French forces intend to march on the line of the
Meuse by Givet and Namur. This information leaves no doubt as to the
intention of France to march through Belgian territory against
Germany.

The German Government cannot but fear that Belgium, in spite of the
utmost goodwill, will be unable, without assistance, to repel so
considerable a French invasion with sufficient prospect of success
to afford an adequate guarantee against danger to Germany. It is
essential for the self-defence of Germany that she should anticipate
any such hostile attack. The German Government would, however, feel
the deepest regret if Belgium regarded as an act of hostility
against herself the fact that the measures of Germany's opponents
force Germany, for her own protection, to enter Belgian territory.

In order to exclude any possibility of misunderstanding, the German
Government make the following declaration:

1. Germany has in view no act of hostility against Belgium. In the
event of Belgium being prepared in the coming war to maintain an
attitude of friendly neutrality towards Germany, the German
Government bind themselves, at the conclusion of peace, to guarantee
the possessions and independence of the Belgian Kingdom in full.

2. Germany undertakes, under the above-mentioned condition, to
evacuate Belgian territory on the conclusion of peace.

3. If Belgium adopts a friendly attitude, Germany is prepared, in
co-operation with the Belgian authorities, to purchase all
necessaries for her troops against a cash payment, and to pay an
indemnity for any damage that may have been caused by German troops.

4. Should Belgium oppose the German troops, and in particular should
she throw difficulties in the way of their march by a resistance of
the fortresses on the Meuse, or by destroying railways, roads,
tunnels or other similar works, Germany will, to her regret, be
compelled to consider Belgium as an enemy.

In this event, Germany can undertake no obligations towards Belgium,
but the eventual adjustment of the relations between the two States
must be left to the decision of arms.

The German Government, however, enter