Issued by Keir Hardie and Arthur Henderson, July 31.
The long-threatened European war is now upon us. For more than 100
years no such danger has confronted civilization. It is for you to
take full account of the desperate situation and to act promptly
and vigorously in the interest of peace. You have never been
consulted about the war.
Whatever may be the rights and wrongs of the sudden, crushing
attack made by the militarist Empire of Austria upon Servia, it is
certain that the workers of all countries likely to be drawn into
the conflict must strain every nerve to prevent their Governments
from committing them to war.
Everywhere Socialists and the organized forces of labor are taking
this course. Everywhere vehement protests are made against the
greed and intrigues of militarists and armament mongers.
We call upon you to do the same here in Great Britain upon an even
more impressive scale. Hold vast demonstrations against war in
every industrial centre. Compel those of the governing class and
their press who are eager to commit you to co-operate with Russian
despotism to keep silence and respect the decision of the
overwhelming majority of the people, who will have neither part nor
lot in such infamy. The success of Russia at the present day would
be a curse to the world.
There is no time to lose. Already, by secret agreements and
understandings, of which the democracies of the civilized world
know only by rumor, steps are being taken which may fling us all
into the fray.
Workers, stand together therefore for peace! Combine and conquer
the militarist enemy and the self-seeking imperialists today, once
and for all.
Men and women of Britain, you have now an unexampled opportunity of
rendering a magnificent service to humanity and to the world!
Proclaim that for you the days of plunder and butchery have gone
by; send messages of peace and fraternity to your fellows who have
less liberty than you. Down with class rule! Down with the rule of
brute force! Down with war! Up with the peaceful rule of the
people! (Signed on behalf of the British Section of the
International Socialist Bureau,)