Belgium and the War

KING AND PRIMATE DEFINE HER ATTITUDE
The Belgian status of neutrality has been emphasised this week very markedly.
Reports that German forces are massing heavily along the Dutch and Belgian frontiers heighten the impression amongst the Belgian public that aggression might come from the East.
His Majesty King Leopold's broad cast to the U.S.A. was later broadcast to the population in French and Flemish.
The King insisted on the loyalty of Belgian neutral policy. Belaium had no territorial ambition, and was not in any way connected with the origin of the conflict dividing Europe.
His concluding words were: "Belgium, neutral, loyal and strong, has an essentially peaceful mission to perform. Amongst other neutral States she stands as a citadel of peace and on element of that conciliation which alone can save our civilisation from the abyss into which a general war would plunge it."
SUNDAY CEREMONY The Cardinal-Primate of Belgium Spoke on the same theme on Sunday.
Official Belgium gathered in the impressive edifice of St. Gudule in Brussels and offered national appeal to Providence to protect Belgium.
The King of the Belgians, the QueenMother Elizabeth, the Royal Princes, the Members of the Government, Senate and Parliament, with the civic and military authorities of Belgium, attended this solemn service.
Cardinal Van Roey, the Primate of Belgium, and Mgr. Micara, the Papal Nuncio, were present..
The Cardinal said: "We are here in a Most significant religious act to prostrate ourselves before His Divine Majesty to implore His powerful protection for Belgium, for alone this Sovereign Master of the universe can save the world from a frightful cataclysm.
"We pity the people now suffering from this terrible scourge and we hope that peace will soon come, peace based on loyalty and justice, "Belgium enjoys the blessing of peace, thanks to the foresight and firmness of her King and Government and to the wisdom of her Government in loyally executing his royal wish.
"Belgium's position," stated the Cardinal, " differs from that. of 1914. This time Belgium is free from invasion because she has decided in full independence to stand outside the conflict.
" This attitude of neutrality i-S fully Justified because it is the unanimous desire of the population.
"For there is no moral duty that determines Belgium to declare war. She is bound by no pact or international agreement. She has always shown loyalty to all the Powers. She has not had anything to do with the origin of the war.
BENEFIT FOR BELLIGERENTS "Besides, this attitude of independence Is a benefit even for the belligerents, for Belgium can become an instrument of Providence to soften the miseries of war and render accessible the path to peace. Such motives clearly dictate our country's duty and justify and honour her neutral statue.
"It would be a crime against our land to enter the conflict except the existence of our country be menaced. We hope that no such necessity may arise and that Providence will protect us."