German ultimatum to Belgium
Text of the German ultimatum to Belgium, 2 August 1914 (extracted from the Belgian Grey Book of diplomatic correspondence on the origins of the war).

Using the pretext of an imminent French attack on Germany, the German ultimatum demands - 'with the greatest regret' - free passage for its troops through Belgium. This was an essential precondition to the successful implementation of the Schlieffen Plan. Despite the polite tone of the 'request', the Belgian government is warned that failure to comply would automatically bring Belgium into military conflict with Germany. Catalogue reference: FO 371/1910 (2 Aug 1914)

Translation
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