Belgium breaks off diplomatic relations with Germany

On 4 August 1914, when news reached Brussels that German troops had crossed the border at Gemmenich (PL), the Belgian government broke off diplomatic relations with Germany. The Foreign Minister, Julien Davignon, informed the German minister, Claus von Below-Saleske, that from that day Belgium no longer recognised his diplomatic status and would maintain no official relations with him.

The note was accompanied by the passports needed for the departure of the minister and the legation staff. This was the traditional, formal way of breaking off relations between states. Below-Saleske acknowledged receipt of the note and entrusted the protection of the German legation in Brussels to his colleague, the United States minister. He left Belgium that same night.

Belgium also had to look after its own citizens and interests in Germany. Davignon asked the government of Spain, neutral in this conflict, for its ambassador in Berlin to take charge of Belgian affairs. The Belgian minister in Berlin was instructed to ask for his passports and return home.

The breach of relations closed the brief history of German demands on Belgium. Two days earlier Germany had issued an ultimatum, on 3 August Belgium rejected it, and on the morning of 4 August the German army entered its territory. That same day the government in Brussels appealed for help to the powers guaranteeing Belgian neutrality. Armed resistance and the diplomatic break with Germany meant that Belgium, though formally neutral, became one of the parties to the war.