30 July

Events preceding British Declaration of War

 * Russia proposes to Germany at 2 a.m. to stop mobilising if Austria would eliminate clauses in ultimatum damaging Serbian sovereignty. Last chance of peace.
 * Lokal Anzeiger announces German mobilisation. Contradicted officially after time allowed for Russian Ambassador to wire it to St. Petersburg. Germany wires temporisingly to Vienna, but does not forward Russia's "last chance" proposal.
 * Russia learns of general Austrian mobilisation.
 * Prince Henry of Prussia wires to King George V asking him to secure neutrality of France and Russia. The King says he is trying to persuade them to cease preparations, if Austria will not go beyond Belgrade.  Hopes Kaiser will influence Austria.
 * Austria a little nervous, but refuses to alter the Note.
 * Russia decides definitely on general mobilisation.
 * German troops close to French frontier: French troops kept 10 km behind it.
 * Sir Edward Grey repudiates Bethmann-Hollweg's "infamous proposal" with scorn, but holds out olive branch. No notice taken by Germany.
 * Mr. Asquith's speech in House of Commons.

1915

 * - British line pierced at Hooge by enemy using "flame-throwers".
 * 45 French aeroplanes bomb Freiburg im Breisgau (Baden), Pfalzburg (Lorraine), and petrol factories at Pechelbroon, etc.
 * - Russians fall back along entire line, only resisting north of Grusbieszow (lower Bug). Evacuation of Warsaw continues. Austrians occupy Lyublin.
 * - Italian offensive in Trentino resumed. Italians bombard forts in and around the Cadore valley and Sexten (Carn.).
 * - Turkish success reported in Grsbudo Hills (Armenia). Cholera among Turkish troops at Constantinople.
 * No - Leyland liner Iberian torpedoed.
 * - United States protests against fraudulent use of passports by German spies.
 * Political crisis and resignation of Japanese cabinet.
 * Pope Benedict XV addresses letter to heads of belligerent States.
 * £7,500,000 voted for new Dutch naval programme.
 * Australian Federal Government proposes War Tax.