There is no serious suggestion among British people that Great Britain
could have remained neutral in the Great War which broke across Europe
three years ago and which still fills the earth with devastation and
mourning. By British people one means not only those of English speech
and British origin, but all of any race or tongue or creed who salute
the flag, and enjoy the heritage of freedom which belongs to British
citizenship. The mother country had an understanding with France which
could not be ignored; an obligation to Belgium which could not be
repudiated without dishonor. In the conventions and understandings
to which the British Empire was committed there was no menace to any
other nation. The object was not to make war but to keep peace; not to
divide or convulse Europe but to assure international security and the
honorable and happy independence of all peoples.