d been able
to impose upon Europe even in days of peace.

It re-established the European balance of power, that guarantee of the
liberty and dignity of each nation.

Gentlemen, I do not know whether I am deceiving myself, but it seems to
me that it is this work of pacific reparation, liberation, and dignity,
definitely sealed in 1904 and 1907 with the support of King Edward VII.
of England and of the royal Government, which the German Empire desires
to destroy today by an audacious piece of violence.

Germany can reproach us with nothing.

We have made an unprecedented sacrifice to peace by bearing in silence
for half a century the wound inflicted by Germany.

We have acquiesced in other sacrifices in all the disputes which, since
1904, imperial diplomacy has systematically provoked either in Morocco
or elsewhere, in 1905 as well as in 1906, in 1908 as well as in 1911.

Italy's Attitude.

Russia also has given proof of great moderation, both in the events of
1908 and the present crisis. She acted with the same moderation--and the
Triple Entente with her--when, in the Eastern crisis of 1912, Austria
and Germany formulated against Servia and Greece demands amenable to
discussion, as the result proved.

Useless sacrifices, sterile compromises, futile efforts--today, while
actually engaged in efforts at conciliation, we and our allies are
suddenly attacked.

Nobody can believe in good faith that we are the aggressors; in vain the
sacred principles of law and liberty, which rule nations as well as
individuals, are assailed. Italy, with the clear conscience of Latin
genius, has informed us that she will remain neutral.

This decision has aroused the sincerest joy throughout France. I made
myself the spokesman of this to the Italian Charge d'Affaires, telling
him how delighted I was that the two Latin sisters, who have the same
origin and ideals, and a glorious past in common, are not opposed to
each other.

What is being attacked, I repeat, gentlemen, is that independence,
dignity, and security which the Triple Entente has restored to the
balance of power in the service of peace.

What is being attacked are the liberties of Europe, whose defenders
France, her allies, and her friends are proud to be.

We shall defend these liberties, for it is they which are in jeopardy;
all else is merely a pretext.

France, unjustly provoked, did not desire war. She has done everything
to prevent it. But since it is forced