Would not the alternative between breaking the engagement and undertaking a bitter and ruinous war against a powerful and friendly nation put us in an intolerable position?
Half a dozen States in the League might for one reason or another wish to resist the claim of the United States for redress.

Names of States which might possibly so combine could be given, but it is better to refrain.

It is not inconceivable that German penetration and intrigue at some future time might promote a combination of the kind.

All sorts of influences might be brought to bear on certain of the States and on their representatives.

Dynastic claims might even affect them.
Unless it be with some country which she can trust and whose Government and its aims she can thoroughly rely upon, and then only for some limited and specific purpose, Great Britain, or any other naval or military power, ought not to bind itself to go to war and employ its forces.