It is almost inconceivable that Germany could have doubted what our
decision would be. We acted involuntarily and instinctively. There was
unanimity in the press and in Parliament. We did not think of degrees
of obligation or conditions of alliance. In Quebec there was rejoicing
over the compact between Britain and France, while in the English
provinces we saw national and Imperial value in a union of French and
English, in defence of free institutions. We believed that through the
common sacrifices of war would come that happy understanding between
the races in Canada which has been the aspiration of Canadian patriots
for a century. We took deep satisfaction in the prospect that France,
in alliance with Britain, would emerge from a long humiliation with the
“lost provinces” recovered and the ancient national dignity restored.
Hence we said to the mother country as Jehoshaphat said to the King
of Israel, “I am as thou art and my people as thy people and we will
be with thee in the war.” For her as for us the choice was between
sacrifice and dishonor, and when these are the conditions honor and
sacrifice are the immemorial obligation and inheritance of the British
people.