that both would decide to remain neutral.

As a matter of fact, the Italian Government came to the view that such a
stand would be for the best interests of its country.

This decision might have made it considerably more easy for England to
also maintain her neutrality, which, from political, economical, and
ethical reasons, would have been advantageous and natural for the Island
Empire. To the surprise and indignation of all those Germans who for
years had been working toward an adjustment of the conflicting interests
of both countries--among these ought to be mentioned, above all, the
Kaiser and the Imperial Chancellor--the Liberal British Ministry
immediately declared war on Germany, and did not confine itself to a
naval war, but, in keeping with agreements reached years ago between the
English and the French General Staffs, as is now admitted, equipped an
expeditionary army, thus considerably strengthening the French forces.

The question arises, "What reasons led British politics to this
monstrous step?"

Much has been written during the last weeks from the German side,
criticising most sharply and with great justification the motive of the
London Cabinet. In the following discussion we will confine ourselves to
an impartial review of the documents published by the English Government
itself in its own defense.

The essential part of this justification is contained in the
"Correspondence Concerning the European Crisis," placed before the
British Parliament shortly after the start of the war, which is known as
the British "White Paper." In amplification are to be considered the