I
can only say that I have put the question of Belgium somewhat
hypothetically, because I am not yet sure of all the facts, but, if the
facts turn out to be as they have reached us at present, it is quite
clear that there is an obligation on this country to do its utmost to
prevent the consequences to which those facts will lead if they are
undisputed.
I have read to the House the only engagements that we have yet taken
definitely with regard to the use of force. I think it is due to the
House to say that we have taken no engagement yet with regard to sending
an expeditionary armed force out of the country. Mobilization of the
fleet has taken place; mobilization of the army is taking place; but we
have as yet taken no engagement, because I feel that--in the case of a
European conflagration such as this, unprecedented, with our enormous
responsibilities in India and other parts of the empire, or in countries
in British occupation, with all the unknown factors--we must take very
carefully into consideration the use which we make of sending an
expeditionary force out of the country until we know how we stand. One
thing I would say.
The one bright spot in the whole of this, terrible situation is Ireland.
The general feeling throughout Ireland--and I would like this to be
clearly understood abroad--does not make the Irish question a
consideration which we feel we have now to take into account.
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