upraised upon this continent, for this nation is
more deserving and has greater capacity for such an initial step than any
other. If other nations should attempt to do this, the motive would be
misunderstood. For instance, if Great Britain should declare for
international peace, it would be said that it has been done to ensure the
safety of her colonies. If France should hoist the standard, other nations
would declare some hidden diplomatic policy underlies the action; Russia
would be suspected of national designs if the first step were taken by
that people, and so on with all the European and eastern governments. But
the United States of America could not be accused of any such selfish
interest. Your government has, strictly speaking, no colonies to protect.
You are not endeavoring to extend your domain, nor have you need of
territorial expansion. Therefore, if America takes the first step toward
the establishing of world peace, it is certain to be ascribed to
unselfishness and altruism. The world will say, "There is no other motive
than altruism and service to humanity in this action by the United
States." Therefore, it is my hope that you may stand forth as the first
herald of peace and hoist this banner, for this banner will be hoisted.
Raise it aloft, for you are the most qualified and deserving of nations.
The other countries await this summons, expect this call to the standard
of reconciliation, for the whole world is distressed because of the
excessive burden and irreparable damage of war. Taxes are levied to meet
its drain. Every year the burden increases, and the people have come to
their end. Just now Europe is a battlefield of ammunition ready for a
spark, and one spark will set aflame the whole world. Before these
complications and cataclysmic events happen, take the step to prevent it.

The foundations of all the divine religions are peace and agreement, but
misunderstandings and ignorance have developed. If these are caused to
disappear, you will see that all the religious agencies will work for
peace and promulgate the oneness of humankind. For the foundation of all
is reality, and reality is not multiple or divisible. Moses founded it,
Jesus raised its tent, and its brilliant light has shone forth in all the
religions. Baha'u'llah proclaimed this one reality and spread the message
of the Most Great Peace. Even in prison He rested not until He lighted
this lamp in the East. Praise be to God! All who have