But there is a wider view of this war than even that of Britain.  We are not merely fighting to preserve the pre-eminence of our country; we are fighting for the civilization of the world.  The victory of Germany would mean the establishment over the whole world of a military despotism such as the world has never seen.  For if once the navy of Britain is gone, who else can stop her course?  Canada, the United States, South America, would soon be vassals of her power—­a power which would be used without scruple for her own material advantage.  This is not a war between Germany and certain other nations; it is a war between Germany and civilization.  The stake is not a few acres of land, but the freedom for which our fathers gave their lives.

Is there such a thing as neutrality in this war?  Germany herself gave the answer when she invaded Belgium.  It is the undoubted duty of many great nations, and of one before all others, to stand aside and not to enter the struggle; but to be neutral at heart, not to care whether the battle is won or lost, is impossible for any nation which values honour and truth above the passing advantages of worldly power.  We do not ask America to fight on our side.  This is our fight, and only Britain and her Allies can see it through.  But we do ask for a sympathy which, while obeying the laws of neutrality to the last letter, will support us with a spirit which is bound by no earthly law, which will bear with us when in our difficult task we seem to neglect the interests of our friends, and will rejoice with us when, out of toil and sorrow, we have won a lasting peace.

This war is not of our choosing, and we shall never ask for peace.  The sword has been thrust into our hands by a power beyond our own to defend from a relentless foe the flag which has been handed down to us unsullied through the ages, and to preserve for the world the freedom which is the proudest birthright of our race.  When it is sheathed, the freedom of the world from the tyranny of man will have been secured.

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