this is inevitable, for the war has been called for by the action of Austria as against Servia, resulting in the Entente supporting Servia. Japan finds her place in the fighting ranks as an ally of Great Britain in the East.
It is more than a coincidence for us that this great conflict has had its origin in the assertion by a minor independent State of its popular and sovereign independence, founded upon a representative constitution, as against the dominant and overbearing pretensions of its neighbouring great Powers who have their foundations in dynastic autocracy.
If this great war was inevitable, it is indeed a satisfaction to the British people at least to know that Britain is engaged in her true historic role of defender and maintainer of the liberty of peoples. The international policy of Great Britain has naturally always had in view, as the primary consideration, the safety of her shores, dependencies, and commerce. Ultimately this policy is involved—even fundamentally and essentially involved—in the reasons for which Britain has taken her stand in joining in the present war. No more need be said then, for the present, in regard to Britain's position in the war in relation to her self- preservation.
We will notice now the more general reasons. In the first place, Britain finds herself involved in war because she has persisted in recognising as binding upon her certain of those obligations which she has assumed in international treaty. So she is armed to-day to protest against the non-fulfilment of certain international treaty obligations. She also champions (unfortunately though it be that circumstances have necessitated that such a championship should be under arms) the principles of the pacific settlement of international disputes by discussion, mediation, and arbitration. Nothing was more prominent or insistent in the negotiation which preceded and surrounded the declaration of war by Austria on Servia than the strenuous efforts of Great Britain to induce the parties then concerned in the dispute, particularly Austria and Germany, to submit it to arbitration, or even to the mere consideration of some other friendly Powers for their opinion and advice. Again, our country stands for the maintenance of the independence of the smaller States and nationalities, though perhaps Britain may never have armed for the sole reason that independent little Servia should be protected against the encroaching domination of Austria. Yet now Europe is in arms Britain takes her stand as champion of the right of the Servian people, or any other peoples who form an independent State, to manage their internal and international affairs as seems best to themselves
