That night, William II announced his abdication and escaped Sanssouci Palace with his family mixed among the guards early the next morning.
Amid cheers, the German military and civilians established a temporary government, which took the initiative to negotiate an armistice with the Allies.
...
July brought misty rain to Pondisai Castle.
Perhaps because Belgium is near the coast, the weather changes rapidly; it was sunny just a moment ago, and now suddenly it has turned gloomy.
The news of William II's abdication spread like wildfire throughout Liège City, and everyone wore smiles.
Though the war was not yet completely over, they saw hope in it.
Thus, wherever Shire walked, he was surrounded by warm greetings:
"Salute to you, General."
"Thank you very much for bringing us out of the pain of war."
"We're about to win, General; it's all thanks to you!"
...
The US Army remained inactive, and Pershing sent a telegram to Shire:
