The arguments of the said critical gentlemen have only confirmed my belief in the justness of my views.

I take nothing back of what I said, convinced as I am that the great majority of people here and in Austria approve my attitude.

Following on these introductory remarks, I feel called upon to-day to tell the public how the Imperial and Royal Government will deal with the further development of the utterly distorted European conditions.
Our programme for the reconstruction of the world organisation, preferably to be called the building of a new world organisation, is given in our answer to the peace Note of the Holy Father.

It, therefore, only remains for me to-day to complete the programme and, above all, to state what were the considerations that decided us to accept the principles that overthrow the former system.

It will come as a surprise to many, and perhaps appear incomprehensible, that the Central Powers, and especially Austria-Hungary, should be willing to desist from future military armament, as it is only their military power that has protected them through these trying years against vastly superior forces.
Not only has the war created new factors and conditions, but it has also led to new conceptions which have shattered the foundations of former European policy.