Then England was also fighting for her own existence, and her will was iron.

She knew the task would be a hard one, but it would not crush her.

In London they cite again the example of the wars of Napoleon, and conclude with: "What man has done man can do again." This fear of Prussian militarism was noticeable on all occasions, and the suggestion constantly was put forward that if we were to declare ourselves satisfied with a general disarmament, that in itself would be a great advantage and an important step towards peace.
My speech on October 2, 1917, at Budapest, on the necessity of securing a reorganised world was prompted by the argument that militarism was the greatest obstacle in the way of any advance in that direction.
At Budapest on that occasion I was addressing an audience of party leaders.

I had to take into consideration that too pacifist a tone would have an effect at home and abroad contrary to my purpose.

At home the lesser powers of resistance would be still further paralysed, and abroad it would be taken as the end of our capacity for fighting, and would further check all friendly intentions.
The passage in my speech relating to the securing of a new world organisation is as follows:-- The great French statesman, Talleyrand, is supposed to have said: words are merely to conceal thoughts.