The German Ultimatum
On 4 October, 1830, the Provisional Government at Brussels declared the independence from Holland of the provinces of Belgium. This was confirmed by the Conference of Powers which met at London. Contrary to Belgian desires, however, neutrality was imposed on Belgium by the same signatories. As set out in Article IX of the Treaty of Eighteen Articles, signed at London on 26 June 1831 by Austria, Great Britain, France, Prussia, and Russia, Belgium would be recognized as an "Independent State," but to guarantee the balance of power in Europe, she would be "perpetually neutral."
Hostilities between Holland and Belgium postponed the solution of the question of neutrality until 1839. The Treaty of London, ending hostilities between the two nations, was signed on 19 April 1839 and established the international political status of Belgium. Article VII stated that "Belgium...shall form an independent and perpetually neutral state," that neutrality to be guaranteed by the five major powers.
Thus Belgium was allowed to exist based on its neutrality. The question then arose as to defense of that neutrality if threatened. Belgium was bound to resist an aggressor by her own forces. This is the reason for the existence of the Belgian Army, of the fortifications of the Meuse, and the entrenched camp of Antwerp. Furthermore, she could not conclude an alliance, even a defensive one, without breeching the neutrality requirements.
Great Britain, Prussia, and France signed the Bendetti Treaties on the eve of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870. The intent was to preserve Belgian neutrality in case hostilities flared up. Finally, in 1907 the Fifth Hague Convention confirmed the rule of law for Belgium by stipulating that the "territory of neutral powers should be inviolable," and that belligerents should be forbidden to send troops, ammunition, or supplies across that territory.
On the eve of the First World War, the question of Belgian neutrality again arose. Incredibly, on the morning of the day in which he was to present the German ultimatum to Belgium, von Below, the German Minister at Brussels, stated:
"The troops will not cross Belgian territory. Grave events are about to happen. It may be that you will see the roof of your neighbor's house in flames, but the fire will spare your home."
That evening, Albert I, King of Belgium, received an ultimatum from Germany. Belgium was to permit the passage of German troops to the French frontier because on its own it would be unable to resist a French and an English invasion. Germany would guarantee Belgium's sovreignty and integrity, pay cash for all requisitions, and make good any damage done by German troops. If Belgium refused, future relations between the two nations would be governed by "the decision of arms." Brussels had 12 hours to reply. The Belgian cabinet adamantly refused the ultimatum and chose to fight.
On the 4th of August, 1914, the King addressed the following communication to the Ministers of Great Britain, France, and Russia:
- "The Belgian Government regret to have to announce to your Excellency that this morning the armed forces of Germany entered Belgian territory in violation of treaty engagements.
- The Belgian Government are firmly determined to resist by all the means in their power.
- Belgium appeals to Great Britain, France, and Russia to co-operate as guaranteeing Powers in the defence of her territory.
- There should be concerted and joint action, to oppose the forcible measures taken by Germany against Belgium, and, at the same time, to guarantee the future maintenance of the independence and integrity of Belgium.
- Belgium is happy to be able to declare that she will undertake the defence of her fortified places.
The next day England, France, and Russia made a favorable reply to this appeal and promised their assistance. Meanwhile, thousands of German troops poured over the Belgian frontier, converging on Liege.
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