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The German General Staff had provided for a special assault force in order to eliminate Liège in a matter of days. Early on 4 August 1914, under the command of General von Emmich, this force violated Begian neutrality by crossing the border on a 40-kilometre front between Aachen and Malmédy. (John Horne and Alan Kramer, German Atrocities 1914. A History of Denial, Yale University Press 2011, p. 10.=
When the Germans entered Belgium on 4 August, General von Emmich issued a declaration that the Belgians were not considered an enemy and that the Germans merely sought transit, though he warned that in the event of sabotage, the Germans would respond harshly. (p. 13)
Einem's view was confirmed by Emmich, commander of the initial strike- force, who was faced with a rash of undisciplined firing by troops who had been led to expect only weak resistance at Liège. Emmich had to issue an 5 August stating that during darkness, rifles were to be kept unloaded; firing was only to be allowed by officers: 'The outrageous and nervous shooting at one's own troops is a crime. (p. 116)--93.218.7.245 (talk) 17:22, 7 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]
