Page:The guilt of William Hohenzollern.djvu/249

Rh The "assembling" of French troops on the Belgian frontier was intended to impress the naive Germans, whose senses were already befogged by the war-intoxication of the August days. But it was also desired to convince England that they were forced to invade Belgium. For this, stronger arguments were needed. And what straws were not snatched at then! The legendary airmen had again to come to the rescue. We have already communicated the text of the German declaration of war on France. In this it is remarkable that it emphasizes the statement that several of the airmen had notoriously violated Belgian neutrality by flying over Belgian territory.

It was, however, not to be expected that these intangible airmen would make any particular impression in England. Efforts had to be made to reach firm ground. Perhaps the automobile would succeed where the aeroplane failed.

On August 2nd the President of the Local Government in Düsseldorf telegraphed to the Imperial Chancellor: ""The Landrat of Geldern telegraphed yesterday local Battalion reports that early this morning eighty French officers in Prussian officers' uniform vainly attempted to cross the frontier near Walbeck with twelve automobiles. On inquiry, Landrat further states Adjutant of local Battalion subsequently reports that report respecting eighty French officers has been, in the main, confirmed. Cars remained behind on Dutch territory. One officer who had advanced retreated before armed opposition.""

Let us assume for a moment that the report was,