Friday, July 31, 1914

Light Rain

Correspondence (1 of 1)

Letter #111Time not recorded
"

This has been a most disappointing day. . . . We had a Cabinet at 11, and I soon saw that Chester would be impossible to-day. . . . We had a very interesting discussion — especially about the neutrality of Belgium . . .

Asquith describes a disappointing day with the Cabinet discussing intervention and the City in panic.

Mentioned:Lichnowsky • Paul Cambon • Sir Edward Grey • Kitchener • Winston Churchill • Governor of Bank

Metric Analysis

Romantic Adoration7/10
Political Unburdening8/10
Emotional Desolation5/10

Thematic Tags

Cabinet on intervention/BelgiumCity panic (Bank rate)Russia mobilizing
H.H. Asquith
Londonⓘ
HIS DAYCabinet. Lunch at Winston's. Interview with King.
Venetia Stanley
Penrhosⓘ
HER DAYWrote to Asquith

Official Register

1914-07-31

Top News

Daily Edition

The London Stock Exchange is closed indefinitely,. Russia orders general mobilization. The Postponement of Payments Bill is introduced.

Cabinet Council

MEETING
>>Ref: War CouncilTopics: Peace vs War, Support for France/Russia

Parliament

IN SESSION

>>Topics: Clause 3 Determination Of Question, Salisbury Plain Building Land, New Clause Disqualification Waited In, New Clause Completion Of Waiting Period, Housing Bill, New Clause Amendment Of Section 95 Of

Witness Observations

Margot Asquith
Margot Asquith

"At 11 a.m. H. came into my bedroom, and said that though he himself had no hope, there was an idea that things were better... He told me that the Bank of England men had given him infinite trouble... ‘the greatest ninnies and funks I’ve ever had to tackle’."

Lord Riddell
Lord Riddell

"On Friday, July 31st, Mr. Lloyd George told me that he was 'fighting hard for peace.' He added: 'All the bankers and commercial people are begging us not to intervene.'"

Maurice Hankey
Maurice Hankey

"On July 31st Austria and Russia, as well as Belgium and Turkey, ordered general mobilization, and a state of Kriegsgefahr was proclaimed in Germany... The London Stock Exchange closed and did not reopen until January 4, 1915."