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By President Poincare and Premier Viviani.
Proclamation Issued to the People of France by President Poincare,
Paris, Aug. 1.
For some days the condition of Europe has become considerably more
serious in spite of the efforts of diplomacy. The horizon has
become darkened.
At this hour most of the nations have mobilized their forces.
Some countries, even though protected by neutrality, have thought
it right to take this step as a precaution.
Some powers, whose constitutional and military laws do not resemble
our own, have without issuing a decree of mobilization begun and
continued preparations which are in reality equivalent to
mobilization and which are nothing more or less than an
anticipation of it _(qui n'en sont que l'exécution anticipée_).
France, who has always declared her pacific intentions, and who has
at the darkest hours (_dans des heures tragiques_) given to Europe
counsels of moderation and a living example of prudence
(_sagesse_), who has multiplied her efforts for the maintenance of
the world's peace, has herself prepared for all eventualties and
has taken from this moment the first indispensable measures for the
safety of her territory.
But our legislation does not allow us to complete these
preparations without a decree of mobilization.
Careful of its responsibility and realizing that it would be
failing in a sacred task to leave things as they were, the
Government has issued the decree which the situation demands.
Mobilization is not war. In the present circumstances it appears,
on the contrary, to be the best means of assuring peace with honor.
Strong in its ardent desire to arrive at a peaceful solution of the
crisis the Government, protected by such precautions as are
necessary, will continue its diplomatic efforts, and it still hopes
to succeed.
It relies upon the calm of this noble nation not to give rein to
emotions which are not justified. It relies upon the patriotism of
all Frenchmen, and it knows that there is not one who is not ready
to do his duty.
At this moment parties no longer exist; there remains only France,
the eternal, the pacific, the resolute. There remains only the
fatherland of right and of justice, entirely united in calm
vigilance and dignity.
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[Illustration: RENE VIVIANI,
French Premier.
(_Photograph from Bain News Service._)]