You are not mistaken in believing that the people of this country love
justice, seek the true paths of progress, and have a passionate regard
for the rights of humanity.
It is a matter of profound pride to me that I am permitted for a time to
represent such a people and to be their spokesman, and I am proud that
your King should have turned to me in time of distress as to one who
would wish on behalf of the people he represents to consider the claims
to the impartial sympathy of mankind of a nation which deems itself
wronged.
I thank you for the document you have put in my hands containing the
result of an investigation made by a judicial committee appointed by the
Belgian Government to look into the matter of which you have come to
speak. It shall have my utmost attentive perusal and my most thoughtful
consideration.
You will, I am sure, not expect me to say more. Presently, I pray God
very soon, this war will be over. The day of accounting will then come,
when, I take it for granted, the nations of Europe will assemble to
determine a settlement. Where wrongs have been committed their
consequences and the relative responsibility involved will be assessed.
The nations of the world have, fortunately, by agreement made a plan for
such a reckoning and settlement.
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