Jean Jaurès

“ And history itself has done away with the misunderstanding, for though difficulties may arise in the expansion of both nations across the face of the world, the day for irreparable conflicts has long since passed away. Against accidents and surprises we have now set a friendship that is growing daily in trust and good understanding. It is in the organisation of this friendship, if I may use the expression, that we are now engaged.
This friendship is not exclusive, nor is it offensive; there is nothing secret about it. It not only does not threaten any one, but it can annoy no one. ”

“ Human life, and international life especially, has been saturated with hate, jealousy, and deceit for so long, that even to-day, in the midst of profound European peace, there are some minds who cannot see two nations drawing closer together without speculating against whom or against what they are uniting. ”

“ She feared that her free commerce and her legitimate influence would be imperilled by a coalition of all the European nations, united by the revolutionary Idea and the revolutionary Sword. And she feared that a violent propaganda would disturb the balance of her own constitution and would substitute the régime of crises for the strong and continuous evolution that marked her own greatness. ”