1914

German ultimatum to Belgium

Belgium rejects Germany's ultimatum for military passage

At 7 a.m. on 3 August 1914 Belgium handed back its refusal. Ministers, senior officers and King Albert had deliberated overnight and approved it.

Twelve hours, from 2 August 1914

Germany's minister in Brussels delivered a confidential ultimatum at 7 p.m. on 2 August 1914, giving Belgium twelve hours — until 7 a.m. on 3 August — to accept German troop movements through its territory or be treated as an enemy. The stated pretext was that France intended to advance through Belgium.

King Albert I, the government, senior officers and ministers of state considered the demand in an overnight meeting and approved its rejection. Prime Minister and War Minister Charles de Broqueville led a government that was unanimous.

7 a.m., 3 August: the reply is delivered

At 7 a.m. the Belgian Foreign Ministry delivered Foreign Minister Julien Davignon's formal reply to the German minister, Claus von Below-Saleske, in Brussels.

It said that acceptance would sacrifice Belgium's national honor and violate its obligations under the treaties guaranteeing its independence and neutrality. Belgium declared itself firmly resolved to resist an attack.

Still neutral at ten that morning

Refusing the ultimatum did not put Belgium alongside France or Britain. The reply asserted Belgium's own neutrality and its treaty obligations.

At 10 a.m. the cabinet decided not to appeal to the guaranteeing powers, because Germany had not yet committed an act of war. German troops crossed the frontier the following morning.

Sources

Researched 23 Aug 2026 4 sources 2 audit passes Date corrected

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Date corrected. The research places this at 1914-08-03.