The Prime Minister speaks in the House of Commons on the gravity of the
situation, and postpones discussion of the Home Rule Amending Bill.

The Tsar telegraphs to the Kaiser.

July 31. Friday. General Russian mobilization ordered.

Sir E. Grey asks France and Germany whether they will respect neutrality
of Belgium.

France promises to respect Belgian neutrality; Germany is doubtful
whether any answer will be returned to this request.

Austria declares its readiness to discuss the substance of its ultimatum
to Servia.

Fresh telegrams pass between the Kaiser and the Tsar.

Germany presents ultimatum to Russia demanding that her mobilization
should cease within 12 hours.

Germany presents an ultimatum to France asking her to define her
attitude in case of a Russo-German war.

English bankers confer with the Government about the financial
situation.

Aug. 1. Saturday. Sir E. Grey protests against detention of English
ships at Hamburg.