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Berlin had no knowledge yet of the "quite private and friendly"declaration of Sir Edward Grey to Prince Lichnowsky (see page 33),the Imperial Chancellor made a proposal to Sir Edward Goschenwhich was a strong bid for British neutrality (Blue Book No. 85).The Imperial Chancellor pointed out that a Russian attack uponAustria-Hungary would probably lead to a European conflagrationowing to Germany's obligations as Austria-Hungary 's ally. It wasclear, he added, that England would not remain inactive if France were crushed in any possible conflict. This, however, was notGermanys object, and provided that England 's neutrality werecertain, every assurance would be given to the English Govern-ment that Germany aimed at no territorial acquisitions at theexpense of France , even if victorious. On being questioned bySir Edward Goschen, the Imperial Chancellor said he was unableto give a similar declaration in respect to the French Colonies.He further said that Germany would in any case respect theneutrality of the Netherlands provided that the other side woulddo the same. As regards Belgium , it depended upon the actionof France what operations Germany might be forced to enterupon in Belgium; but when the war was over, Belgian integritywould be respected provided she had not been fighting againstGermany .

This proposal was violently declined by Sir Edward Grey (Blue Book No. 101). Goschen was instructed to declare to theImperial Chancellor with reference to the assurances given con-cerning France : "It would be a disgrace for us to make this bargain"with Germany at the expense of France , a disgrace from which"the good name of this country would never recover." Neithercould England bargain away whatever obligation or interest shehad with regard to the neutrality of Belgium .

The violence of Sir Edward Grey 's tone when rejecting theGerman proposal is significant:.Sir Edward Grey looked uponEngland as the ally of France whom Germany wished toentice into a breach of faith. At the same time he wasdetermined to make the question of Belgian neutralitythe issue which he needed for pushing Cabinet andpublic opinion into war.