I believe that the simple recital of them is sufficient to justifiy the acts of the Government of the Republic. I wish, however, to make clear the conclusion to be drawn from my story and to give its true meaning to the unheard-of attack of which France is the victim. The victors of 1870 have, at different times, as you know, desired to repeat the blows which they dealt us then. In 1875, the war which was intended to complete the destruction of conquered France was only prevented by the intervention of the two Powers to whom we were to become united at a later date by ties of alliance and of friendship (unanimous applause), by the intervention of Russia and of Great Britain. (Prolonged applause, all the deputies rising to their feet.) Since then the French Republic, by the restoration of her national forces and the conclusion of diplomatic agreements unswervingly adhered to, has succeeded in liberating herself from the yoke which even in a period of profound peace Bismarck was able to impose upon Europe. She has re-established the balance of power in Europe, a guarantee of the liberty and dignity of all. Gentlemen, I do not know if I am mistaken, but it seems to me that this work of peaceful reparation, of liberation and honor finally ratified in 1904 and 1907, with the genial co-operation of King Edward VII of England and the Government of the Crown (applause), this is what the German Empire wishes to destroy to-day by one daring stroke. Germany can reproach us with nothing. Bearing in silence in our bosom for half a century the wound which Germany dealt us we have offered to peace an unprecedented sacrifice. (Loud and unanimous applause.) We have offered other sacrifices in all the discussions which since 1904 German diplomacy has systematically provoked, whether in Morocco or elsewhere in 1905, in 1906, in 1908, in 1911. Russia also has given proof of great moderation at the time of the events of 1908, as she has done in the present crisis. She observed the same moderation, and the Triple Entente with her, when in the Eastern crisis of 1912 Austria and Germany formulated demands, whether against Servia or against Greece, which still were, as the event proved, capable of settlement by discussion. Useless sacrifices, barren negotiations, empty efforts, since to-day in the very act of conciliation we, our allies and ourselves, are attacked by surprise. (Prolonged applause.) No one can honestly believe that we are the aggressors. Vain is the desire to overthrow the sacred principles of right and of liberty to which nations, as well as individuals, are subject; Italy with that clarity of insight possessed by the Latin intellect, has notified us that she proposes to preserve neutrality. (Prolonged applause, all the deputies rising to their feet.) This decision has found in all France an echo of sincerest joy. I made myself the interpreter of this feeling to the Italian Chargé d'Affaires when I told him how much I congratulated myself that the two Latin sisters, who have the same origin and the same ideal, a common and glorious past, are not now opposed to one another. (Renewed applause.) Gentlemen, we proclaim loudly the object of their attack-it is the independence, the honor, the safety, which the Triple Entente has regained in the balance of power for the service of peace. The object of attack is the liberties of Europe, which France, her allies, and her friends, are proud to defend. (Loud applause.) We are going to defend these liberties, for it is they that are in dispute, and all the rest is but a pretext. France, unjustly provoked, did not desire war, she has done everything to avert it. Since it is forced upon her, she will defend herself against Germany and against every Power which has not yet declared its intentions, but joins with the latter in a conflict between the two countries. (Applause, all the deputies rising to their feet.) A free and valiant people that sustains an eternal ideal, and is wholly united to defend its existence; a democracy which knows how to discipline its military strength, and was not afraid a year ago to increase its burden as an answer to the armaments of its neighbor; a nation armed, struggling for its own life and for the independence of Europe-here is a sight which we are proud to offer to the onlookers in this desperate struggle, that has for some days been preparing with the greatest calmness and method. We are without reproach. We shall be without fear. (Loud applause, all the deputies rising to their feet.) France has often proved in less favorable circumstances that she is a most formidable adversary when she fights, as she does to-day, for liberty and for right. (Applause.) In submitting our actions to you, Gentlemen, who are our judges, we have, to help us in bearing the burden of our heavy responsibility, the comfort of a clear conscience and the conviction that we have done our duty. (Prolonged applause, all the deputies rising to their feet.) RENÉ VIVIANI. CHAPTER VII No. 160. DECLARATION OF THE TRIPLE ENTENTE (September 4, 1914) DECLARATION M. Delcassé, Minister for Foreign Affairs, to the French Ambassadors and Ministers abroad. PARIS, September 4, 1914. The following declaration has this morning been signed at the Foreign Office at London: The undersigned duly authorized thereto by their respective governments hereby declare as follows: The British, French and Russian Governments mutually engage not to conclude peace separately during the present war. The three Governments agree that when terms of peace come to be discussed, no one of the Allies will demand terms of peace without the previous agreement of each of the other Allies. This declaration will be published to-day. (Signed) PAUL CAMBON. COUNT BENCKENDORFF. EDWARD GREY. DELCASSÉ. APPENDICES EXTRACTS FROM THE "BLUE BOOK" (ENGLISH), FROM THE APPENDIX I Extracts from the "Blue Book" relating to the Attitude taken by the English Government in regard to Russia, Germany, and France, during the pourparlers which preceded the war. No. 6. Sir G. Buchanan, British Ambassador at St. Petersburgh, to Sir Edward Grey. July 24, 1914. [October, 1914, Supplement, p. 260.] No. 87. Sir Edward Grey to Sir F. Bertie, British Ambassador at Paris. July 29, 1914. [October Supplement, p. 320.] No. 88. Sir Edward Grey to Sir E. Goschen, British Ambassador at Berlin, July 29, 1914. [October Supplement, p. 321.] No. 99. Sir F. Bertie, British Ambassador at Paris, to Sir Edward Grey, July 30, 1914. [October Supplement, p. 331.] No. 119. Sir Edward Grey to Sir F. Bertie, British Ambassador at Paris. July 31, 1914. [October Supplement, p. 347.] No. 148. Sir Edward Grey to Sir F. Bertie, British Ambassador at Paris. August 2, 1914. [October Supplement, p. 366.] APPENDIX II Extracts from the "Blue Book" relating to the Proposals made by the German Government to the English Government in order to obtain England's Neutrality. No. 85. Sir E. Goschen, British Ambassador at Berlin, to Sir Edward Grey. July 29, 1914. [October Supplement, p. 318.] No. 101. Sir Edward Grey to Sir E. Goschen, British Ambassador at Berlin. July 30, 1914. [October Supplement, p. 333.] No. 123. Sir Edward Grey to Sir E. Goschen, British Ambassador at Berlin. August 1, 1914. [October Supplement, p. 351.] APPENDIX II (B) German attempts to obtain, on the Plea of a "Misunderstanding," a Guarantee by England of the Neutrality of France in a German-Russian War. (Semi-official publication in the "Norddeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung," August 20, 1914) No. 1. Prince Lichnowsky, German Ambassador at London, to Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg, Chancellor of the German Empire. July 31, 1914. [January, 1915, Supplement, p. 103. Note that the date of this document given in the German official publication is August 1, 1914.] No. 2. Telegram from the Emperor William to King George V. August 1, 1914. [January Supplement, p. 103.] No. 3. Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg, Chancellor of the Empire, to Prince Lichnowsky, German Ambassador at London. August 1, 1914. [January Supplement, p. 103.] No. 4. Telegram from King George V. to the Emperor William. August 1, 1914. [January Supplement, p. 104.] No. 5. Prince Lichnowsky, German Ambassador at London, to Herr von BethmannHollweg, Chancellor of the German Empire. August 2, 1914. [January Supplement, p. 104.] APPENDIX III Extracts from the "Blue Book" relating to England's refusal to admit the German point of view on the question of the violation of Belgian neutrality. No. 153. Sir Edward Grey to Sir E. Goschen, British Ambassador at Berlin. August 4, 1914. [October Supplement, p. 369.] No. 155. Sir Edward Grey to Sir F. Villiers, British Minister at Brussels. August 4, 1914. [October Supplement, p. 370.] No. 157. German Foreign Secretary to Prince Lichnowsky, German Ambassador at London. August 4, 1914. [October Supplement, p. 371.] No. 159. Sir Edward Grey to Sir E. Goschen, British Ambassador at Berlin. August 4, 1914. [October Supplement, p. 371.] No. 160. Sir E. Goschen to Sir Edward Grey. August 8, 1914. [October Supplement, p. 411.] APPENDIX IV Extracts from the "Grey Book" pointing out the Conditions under which Germany violated Belgian Neutrality. No. 2. M. Davignon, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, to the Belgian Ministers at Paris, Berlin, London, Vienna, and St. Petersburgh. July 24, 1914. With enclosure. [January Supplement, p. 51.] No. 8. M. Davignon, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, to the Belgian Ministers at Berlin, Paris, London, Vienna, St. Petersburgh, Rome, The Hague, and Luxemburg. July 29, 1914. [January Supplement, p. 54.] No. 9. M. Davignon, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, to the Belgian Ministers at Berlin, Paris, and London. July 31, 1914. [January Supplement, p. 55.] No. 11. M. Davignon, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, to the Belgian Ministers at Berlin, London, and Paris. July 31, 1914. [January Supplement, p. 56.] No. 12. M. Davignon, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, to the Belgian Ministers at Berlin, London, and Paris. July 31, 1914. With enclosure. [January Supplement, p. 57.] No. 13. Count de Lalaing, Belgian Minister at London, to M. Davignon, Belgian No. 15. M. Davignon, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, to the Belgian Ministers at Berlin, Paris, and London. August 1, 1914. [January Supplement, p. 59.] No. 19. M. Davignon, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, to Belgian Ministers at Paris, Berlin, London, Vienna, and St. Petersburgh. August 2, 1914. [January Supplement, p. 60.] No. 20. Note presented by Herr von Below Saleske, German Minister at Brussels, to M. Davignon, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs. August 2, 1914. [January Supplement, p. 61.] |