nce. From
the very beginning she has clearly shown that she by no means wanted to
keep absolutely neutral. From the very beginning she made endeavors to
protect France against Germany. Undoubtedly the German invasion in
Belgium served England as a welcome pretext to openly declare her
hostility. In reality, before the German invasion, already the
neutrality of Belgium had been given up in favor of the French. It has
been officially stated, e.g., that not only before but also after the
outbreak of the war French officers have been at Liege in order to
instruct the Belgian soldiers as to the fortification service. England's
complaints of the violation of international law, however, are the most
atrocious hypocrisy and the vilest Pharisaism. At all times English
politics have unscrupulously disregarded all forms of law as soon as
their own interest was touched. During the last few weeks the same
method has been quite sufficiently manifested in the unlawful capture of
the Turkish warships, and still more so in the instigation of the
Japanese to undertake the detestable raid upon the German territory in
China, which needs must end in strengthening the power of that Mongolian
nation at the costs of Europeans and Americans.

How it is possible for a nation that in such a way has betrayed precious
interests of Western culture as soon as it seems to benefit them, how is
it possible for these accomplices of the Japanese robbery to put on the
air of being the guardians of morality?

We Germans did not want this war, but as it has been forced upon us we
shall carry it on bravely and vigorously. In the face of all envy and
hatred, all brutality and hypocrisy, Germany feels unshakably conscious
of serving a righteous cause and of standing up for the preservation of
her national self as well as for sacred goods of humanity; indeed, for
the very progress of true culture. It is from this conviction that she
draws her unrelenting force and the absolute certainty that she will
beat back the assault of all her enemies. This conviction does not stand
in need of any encouragement from abroad; our country absolutely relies
upon itself and confides in the strength of its right.

Nevertheless, the idea of our American friends' thoughts and sympathies
being with us gives us a strong feeling of comfort in this gigantic
struggle. We both of us feel especially justified in pronouncing this as
being the conviction of all German scientists, as so m