It re-established the European balance of power, that guarantee of the
liberty and dignity of each nation.
Gentlemen, I do not know whether I am deceiving myself, but it seems to
me that it is this work of pacific reparation, liberation, and dignity,
definitely sealed in 1904 and 1907 with the support of King Edward VII.
of England and of the royal Government, which the German Empire desires
to destroy today by an audacious piece of violence.
Germany can reproach us with nothing.
We have made an unprecedented sacrifice to peace by bearing in silence
for half a century the wound inflicted by Germany.
We have acquiesced in other sacrifices in all the disputes which, since
1904, imperial diplomacy has systematically provoked either in Morocco
or elsewhere, in 1905 as well as in 1906, in 1908 as well as in 1911.
Italy's Attitude.
Russia also has given proof of great moderation, both in the events of
1908 and the present crisis. She acted with the same moderation--and the
Triple Entente with her--when, in the Eastern crisis of 1912, Austria
and Germany formulated against Servia and Greece demands amenable to
discussion, as the result proved.
Useless sacrifices, sterile compromises, futile efforts--today, while
actually engaged in efforts at conciliation, we and our allies are
suddenly attacked.
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