We will try to set forth the situation in plain
terms, and we venture to say that we shall not be contradicted by any- body possessing an inner knowledge of the facts. If France is attacked by Germany, not only this Government but any Government which succeeds it would, nay must, go to the assistance of France. But if we go to war we must go to war to win, and not attempt the ruinous plan of trying to make war half-heartedly. This means that we must despatch an expeditionary force—and we can send 150,000 men to the Continent—for that force might be quite enough to turn the scale of battle. In making this confident assertion we do not claim any official inspiration, nor do we profess to know the mind of Mr. Asquith. We know no more of the Government's views on this matter than the man in the street. Common sense, however, tells us that no British Government would dare to contemplate being left alone in Europe with a victorious Germany—with a Germany that had trampled upon France and Russia. " Our turn next" is a feeling which works very strongly in the minds of Ministers as well as of ordinary men.
