Tuesday, August 4, 1914

Rain

Correspondence (1 of 1)

Letter #115Time not recorded
"

I am really rather in doubt where to address this. . . . We sent the Germans an ultimatum to expire at midnight . . . Winston . . . is longing for a sea-fight . . . The whole thing fills me with sadness.

Asquith sends the ultimatum to Germany regarding Belgium and describes the waiting for its expiry.

Mentioned:Arthur Asquith • Violet Asquith • Jack Pease • Mrs Keppel • Anne Islington • Pauline • Harry Wilson • Barbara • Bonar Law • Sir John Simon • Lord Beauchamp • John Morley • Charles Trevelyan • Walter Runciman • Bron • Lord Emmott • Winston Churchill

Metric Analysis

Romantic Adoration7/10
Political Unburdening9/10
Emotional Desolation6/10

Thematic Tags

Ultimatum to GermanyCabinetBelgian neutralityResignations (Morley, Trevelyan)
H.H. Asquith
Londonⓘ
HIS DAYCabinet. Audience with King. House of Commons. Drive.
Venetia Stanley
Penrhosⓘ
HER DAYMoved tent from Penrhos. Planned travel to Lulworth. Read letters to family

Official Register

1914-08-04

Top News

Daily Edition

Great Britain declares war on Germany following the expiration of an ultimatum demanding respect for Belgian neutrality. The Army is mobilised, and the Government takes control of the railways. Admiral Sir John Jellicoe is appointed to command the Home Fleets,,.

Cabinet Council

MEETING
>>Ref: War CouncilTopics: War with Germany (Ultimatum expired 11 p.m.)

Parliament

IN SESSION

>>Topics: Criminal Justice Administration Bill, Public Trustee Advisory Committee, Education Provision Of Meals Bill, Trade Boards Act, Royal Engineers George Flynn

Witness Observations

Margot Asquith
Margot Asquith

"We declared war. It was an agonizing day and night... I sat breathless while Henry announced that an ultimatum had been sent to Germany... He [Lichnowsky] saw me a moment... and said ‘So it is all over. You will declare war tonight’..."

Maurice Hankey
Maurice Hankey

"There is a Cabinet meeting at midnight to consider the German reply to our ultimatum [to withdraw from Belgium], and it is morally certain that we shall declare war. I have then, so to speak, to press my last button and my War Book will be complete..."