Belgian neutrality

Tag

(10)

1914

July

24
- Belgium declares it will defend its neutralityOn 24 July 1914 the Belgian government announced that in the event of war it would uphold its neutrality whatever the consequences.
31
- Belgium orders mobilisationOn 31 July 1914 the Belgian government ordered a general mobilisation of the army to defend the country's neutrality against anyone who might violate it.

August

02
- Germany delivers an ultimatum to BelgiumOn the evening of 2 August 1914 Germany demanded that Belgium allow its troops to pass through, giving it 12 hours to reply.
03
- Britain pledges to defend Belgian neutralityOn 3 August 1914 Sir Edward Grey set out Britain's obligations to Belgium and France in the Commons. London promised support for the Belgians.
04
- Great Britain issues an ultimatum to GermanyOn 4 August 1914 London demanded that Germany respect Belgian neutrality by midnight. The chancellor called the treaty a "scrap of paper".
- Belgium breaks off diplomatic relations with GermanyOn 4 August 1914, after German troops crossed the border, Belgium broke off relations with Germany and handed the German minister his passports.

1916

January

18
- Baron Beyens becomes Belgian foreign ministerOn 18 January 1916 Baron Eugène Beyens, pre-war envoy in Berlin, became Belgium's foreign minister, having stood in for the ailing Davignon since summer.

February

14
- Declaration of Sainte-AdresseOn 14 February 1916 France, Britain and Russia undertook not to end the war until Belgium had regained its independence and received compensation.

April

29
- Declaration of Le HavreOn 29 April 1916 France, then Britain and Russia, promised Belgium it would keep the Congo within its present borders after the war and receive compensation.

1917

August

04
- Broqueville becomes foreign ministerOn 4 August 1917 Belgian Prime Minister Charles de Broqueville handed the War Ministry to General De Ceuninck and took over foreign affairs from Baron Beyens.