31 July

Events preceding British Declaration of War

 * Russia still complaisant, but as Austria is not responsive she announces her general mobilisation.
 * Austria also announces general mobilisation.
 * Germany declares Kriegsgefahrsustand, and tells Russia (definite threat not delivered till midnight) that she proposes to mobilise unless Russia stops all military measures within 12 hours. She also informs France of her intention towards Russia, and demands to know within 18 hours whether France will remain neutral.
 * France notifies her Ambassadors that Germany, whilst protesting peaceful intentions, has throughout by her dilatory or negative attitude caused all attempts at agreement to fail.
 * Sir Edward Grey goes to the furthest possible limit in endeavouring to persuade Germany to assist him in squaring matters between Austria and Serbia. Asks France and Germany whether they intend to respect Belgian neutrality; France says, "certainly," Germany refuses to reply. British Cabinet not yet prepared to give France definite pledge of assistance.
 * Financial crisis in London. Stock Exchange closed.
 * Belgian mobilisation decreed for following day.
 * Jean Jaurès (Socialist leader) assassinated in Paris.
 * Mobilisation commenced in Turkey.

1915

 * - End of big movement lasting ten days, of German troops from Eastern to Western front.
 * - Germans cross the Aa (Riga), after two days' fighting. Desperate fighting and German advance on Kamienka front (Vistula). Russians ejected from positions near Kurow (Lyublin). Kholm occupied by Germans.
 * - Riva (and Garda) bombarded by seaplanes, Austrian positions there taken.
 * - French Note on German outrages at Roubaix published.