Declaration in House of Commons, July 30, by Prime Minister Asquith.
We meet today under conditions of gravity which are almost unparalleled
in the experience of every one of us. The issues of peace and
war are hanging in the balance, and with them the risk of a catastrophe
of which it is impossible to measure either the dimensions or the
effects. In these circumstances it is of vital importance in the
interests of the whole world that this country, which has no interests
of its own directly at stake, should present a united front and be able
to speak and act with the authority of an undivided nation. If we were
to proceed today with the first order on the paper we should inevitably,
unless the debate was conducted with an artificial tone, be involved in
acute controversy in regard to domestic differences whose importance to
ourselves no one here in any quarter of the House is disposed to
disparage or to belittle. I need not say more than that such a use of
our time at such a moment might have injurious, and lastingly injurious,
effects on the international situation. I have had the advantage of
consultation with the leader of the Opposition, who, I know, shares to
the full the view which I have expressed. We shall therefore propose to
put off for the present the consideration of the second reading of the
amending bill--of course, without prejudice to its future--in the hope
that by a postponement of the discussion the patriotism of all parties
will contribute what lies in our power, if not to avert at least to
circumscribe the calamities which threaten the world. In the meantime
the business which we shall take will be confined to necessary matters
which will not be of a controversial character.
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