We shall be told, of course, that nobody threatens France,
and that in fact we have so managed things that Germany is much more friendly to France than she is to us. Those who say that and think that are merely yielding to diplomatic bluff and finesse. France was in great peril in the summer, and only our steadfastness prevented an attack being made upon her. Those who still cling to the idea that there is some delusion in all this should consider the action of the Russian Government, which is just now intensely pacific for many reasons, external and internaL It affords complete proof of what we say. It is well known to all who were behind the scenes during the late crisis that the Russians, though they greatly dreaded the prospect of war, made it perfectly clear that they should stand by France. They knew that France was threatened, and that it was a question of either support- ing her now or letting her be overwhelmed, with a certainty that if Germany were successful Russia's turn would be either next or next but one.
