[Applause.]
Germany's Perjury.
What is their defense? Consider the interview which took place between
our Ambassador and the great German officials. When their attention was
called to this treaty to which they were parties, they said: "We cannot
help that. Rapidity of action is the great German asset." There is a
greater asset for a nation than rapidity of action, and that is honest
dealing. [Loud applause.] What are Germany's excuses? She says Belgium
was plotting against her; Belgium was engaged in a great conspiracy with
Britain and France to attack her. Not merely is it not true, but Germany
knows it is not true. ["Hear, hear!"] What is her other excuse. That
France meant to invade Germany through Belgium. That is absolutely
untrue. ["Hear, hear!"] France offered Belgium five army corps to defend
her if she were attacked. Belgium said: "I do not require them; I have
the word of the Kaiser. Shall Caesar send a lie?" [Laughter and
applause.] All these tales about conspiracy have been vamped up since. A
great nation ought to be ashamed to behave like a fraudulent bankrupt,
perjuring its way through its obligations. ["Hear, hear!"] What she says
is not true. She has deliberately broken this treaty, and we were in
honor bound to stand by it.
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