I shall be the
first to welcome it whenever international efforts succeed in
creating such a counterpoise.
But if I am to take practical steps and am to propose mutual
disarmament to the other powers, then general pacific assurances
and adjurations are not enough. With Germany there is no need for
such assurances or adjurations, in view of her constant policy
throughout forty years, which shows that we seek no quarrels in the
world. I should have to submit a fixed, definite programme. Then I
should have to consider in all sobriety whether such a programme
could be drawn up and carried out. Any one who makes uncertain and
vague proposals can easily become a disturber of the peace rather
than a peacemaker.
I shall have to decline to draw up such a formula and submit it to
an international congress.
England's Naval Police.
England is convinced, and has repeatedly declared, in spite of her
desires for the limitation of expenditure on armaments and for the
adjustment of any disputes that may arise by arbitral procedure,
that her fleet must in all circumstances be superior, or at any
rate equal, to any possible combination in the world.
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