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Show vlum By LORD READING, LORD CHIEF JUSTICE OF ENGLAND HONOUR the Belgians and their King for their fame endureth for ever ! If there existed in the world a formal Court of Public Opinion it would long since have recorded its horror at the cynical contempt of solemn obligations displayed by Germany in the name of " Kultur." The judgment of the Court would also have expressed its whole-hearted admiration for the courage and fortitude of Belgium under the most terrible shocks ever sustained by any nation. Germany's attack upon Belgium is a tragedy in the history of human progress ; it is a stab at the heart of civilisation. Fortunately Belgium has minimised the gravity of the blow to the human race by the moral grandeur she has attained under the leadership of her King. Belgium was an unoffending " little nation." She had no quarrel with Germany, her people were industrious, law-abiding, and peace-loving, desiring only to be left alone ; they sought no extension of territory, they claimed no part in the conflict of Great Nations. That her treaty rights should be respected and her neutrality observed by all the signatories without discrimination was the whole sum and substance of Belgian policy. The most microscopic German eye could not detect in it the least cause of complaint or the faintest trace of offence. When it appeared that the flagrant breach of faith was to be committed Belgium stood in profound and sorrowful amazement. She had not yet learnt the German doctrine that little nations have no rights. Indeed, so recently as the year 1911, Germany had declared through Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg that it had no intention of violating the neutrality of Belgium. Again, two years later, Herr von Jagow stated that the neutrality of Belgium had been determined upon by international conventions and Germany was determined to respect those conventions. Even in the last week of July 1914 the German Minister to Belgium repeated the assurances of his predecessor to a similar effect. In fact, Germany insisted upon the neutrality of Belgium until it suited its purpose to violate it. The treaty hitherto regarded as a solemn and binding obligation then suddenly became " a scrap of paper." There was and could be no justification for this sudden change, the excuse was necessity in the interests of Germany. Now that so much has happened and Belgium is still the battle-ground, one cannot but think that Germany's interests, viewed apart from her moral reputation, would have been better served had she adhered to her pledges. Belgium, to her eternal glory be it said, refused to be cajoled 0r bullied into abandoning her sovereignty and independence. She withstood both blandishments and threats and resolutely declined to help Germany to crush France via Belgium. King Albert in this supreme hour of need turned appealingly to us, and our response was swift and direct-it was war against Germany. Belgium counted upon us, she has not counted in vain; we remain true to our word. The righting of her wrongs has become our sacred duty. 129 MUS" |