Therefore, it has won a moral influence which is recognized by
the entire world. It is for this reason that Belgium, bound as she is to
you by ties of commerce and increasing friendship, turns to the American
people at this time to let it know the real truth of the present
situation. Resolved to continue unflinching defense of its sovereignty
and independence, it deems it a duty to bring to the attention of the
civilized world the innumerable grave breaches of rights of mankind of
which she has been a victim. At the very moment we were leaving
Belgium, the King recalled to us his trip to the United States and the
vivid and strong impression your powerful and virile civilization left
upon his mind.
Our faith in your fairness, our confidence in your justice, in your
spirit of generosity and sympathy--all these have dictated our present
mission.
* * * * *
PRESIDENT WILSON'S REPLY.
Addressed to the Royal Belgian Commission in the White House,
Washington, Sept. 16.
Permit me to say with what sincere pleasure I receive you as
representatives of the King of the Belgians, a people for whom the
people of the United States feel so strong a friendship and admiration,
a King for whom they entertain so sincere a respect, and express my hope
that we may have many opportunities of earning and deserving their
regard.
Pages:
498
499
500
501
502
503
504
505
506
507
508
509
510
511
512
513
514
515
516
517
518
519
520
521
522