It is not necessary to consider at length the immediate causes of
the war or to marshal the evidence in proof of Great Britain’s
disinterested and resolute endeavor to avert the conflict. Few of the
great wars of history stand the cold, unimpassioned scrutiny of later
generations. We have, however, overwhelming evidence that Germany
plotted and prepared for sovereignty in Europe and an unchallenged
primacy among the nations. The world has been astounded by the
revelation of German motives, the inflexible persistence of German
policy, the extent and efficiency of German preparation. It was only
by the mercy of God and the martyrdom of Belgium that France was not
brought to her knees before she could organize her valiant defence or
the heroic British regiments unite with the French legions to check the
advance on Paris. While time lasts the betrayal of Belgium will have
shameful pre-eminence in what John Morley calls “The sombre tragedy of
human history.” Nor would Great Britain have escaped lasting dishonor
if she had failed in fidelity to France and Belgium at any cost of
life and treasure. It is not necessary to argue that the violation of
Belgian neutrality alone explains the British declaration of war upon
Germany. That cause was adequate, if there were no other, but there
were other considerations of direct and tremendous consequence to the
British Empire.