WAR NEWS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1280, 4 August 1914, Page 3

WAR NEWS.

On Saturday evening Germany declared war on Russia and set her armies marching east and west on the Russian and French frontiers. Skirmishing has already taken place on the frontiers. Germany invaded French territory and an engagement is reported at Nancy, where it is stated a force of 20,000 Germans was repulsed with heavy loss. Reuter reports that a small German force seized a Luxembourg station and several railway bridges to ensure the passage of the military trains across the Duchy.

France has drawn the attention of the Powers to Germany’s violation of Luxembourg neutrality. Germany refuses to withdraw despite the official protest, and declares the seizure was not with hostile intent, but really $ precautionary measure to prevent the French using the railway. She has promised an indemnity. Foreigners have been ordered to leave France.

An unconfirmed report states , that a naval engagement took place in the North Sea. Germany has not stated whether she will observe the neutrality of Belgium, France has done so but will take action it another power violates it. A British Royal proclamation has established a quasi-moratorium which is a special period of delay granted to debtors on account of special circumstances, such as a lime of great national peril, or in war time. All banking institutions are preparing tor a financial strain. Russia has again intimated that it cannot allow Austrian suzerainty of Servia. Englishmen in France have been ovationed. The aged Austrian Emperor on his return to Vienna was welcomed by a hundred thousand ot his subjects. He shook with emotion and saluted with tears in bis eyes.

Sweden has proclaimed her neutrality. General mobilisation has been carried out in France, Germany and Russia.

The Japanese Ambassador at London does not anticipate trouble in the Far East, where the Triplice’s navies are negligible.ilf trouble arises Japan will act in the spirit of the Alliance. M. Delcasse, the bated of Germany, has been appointed French Minister of War.

Germany has declared martial law in Kaiochau (her Chinese possession), and has ordered British and other foreigners to depart. The Germans are taking * measures to prevent the inhabitants ot Alsace and Lorraine crossing into France. Boom defences are placed at Portsmouth, Devonport and Sheerness, and entry is forbidden at night. Telephonic communication between Paris and London has ceased.

At Bombay and Colombo the military are protecting the harbours. The Government has taken possession of the Welsh coal ports. Italy at present remains quietly neutral. She resents Austria’s omitting to consult Rome concerning her impetuous attitude towards Servia.

All parts of the British Empire are taking precautionary measures and have informed the Motherland that men and ships are ready to go to her assistance as soon as they are required.

Naval affairs in Australia and New Zealand are now transferred to the Imperial Admiralty authorities.

Expeditionary forces are offered to England by all overseas dominions.

Financial matters in London are in a critical stage, and trade is at a standstill, except in foodstuffs. Transatlantic steamer sailings are being suspended wholesale, and already speculation is rife as to the possibility of a big German liner being captured in midAtlantic. Sir Edward Garson announces that if Government needs them a large body of Ulster volunteers will give their services for Home defence, and many will serve anywhere they are required. There has been a complete revulsion of feeling in Ireland following Mr Asquith’s statement. All talk of Party has ended, and Irishmen of all complexions have become Britons. Ulster and Nationalist officers, questioned on the subject, used the same phrase: “We are Britishers, and 300,000 drilled volunteers have arms which are for the country's enemies first and foremost.

Lord Kitchener’s departure for Egypt has been postponed. The Times suggests his appointment as War Minister, to relieve Mr Asquith. The following telegram was received by the Prime Minister last evening irom leading members of the Arawa tribe at Rotorua : “We of the Arawas, as our forefathers before us. offer our services to our King and country in whatever clime and whenever you see fit to call us; our fervent prayer is, “God Save the King-’’ The message is signed by Kaharunga, Kiharoa, Rangiteaorere, Taiapua, Te Awakotufcu, Te Kati, and Tukutahi.