( xciv ) 



In the preservation of this neutrality our deepest sentiments 

 and our most vital interests are alike involved. Its violation 

 would not only shatter the independence of Belgium itself : 

 it would imdermine the whole basis which renders possible 

 the neutrality of any state and the very existence of such 

 states as are much weaker than their neighbours. We acted 

 in 1914 just as we acted in 1870. We sought from both 

 France and Germany assurances that they would respect 

 Belgian neutrality. In 1870 both Powers assured us of their 

 good intentions, and both kept their promises. In 1914: 

 France gave immediately, on July 31, the required assurance ; 

 Germany refused to answer. When, after this sinister silence, 

 Germany proceeded to break under our eyes the treaty which 

 we and she had both signed, evidently expecting Great Britain 

 to be her timid accomplice, then even to the most peace- 

 loving Englishmen hesitation became impossible. Belgium 

 had appealed to Great Britain to keep her word, and she 

 kept it. 



The German professors appear to think that Germany has, 

 in this matter, some considerable body of sympathizers in the 

 Universities of Great Britain. They are gravely mistaken. 

 Never within our lifetime has this coimtry been so united on 

 any great political issue. We ourselves have a real and deep 

 admiration for German scholarship and science. We have 

 many ties with Germany, ties of comradeship, of respect, and 

 of afiection. We grieve profoundly that, under the baleful 

 influence of a military system and its lawless dreams of 

 conquest, she whom we once honoured now stands revealed 

 as the common enemy of Europe and of all peoples which 

 respect the Law of Nations. We must carry on the war on 

 which we have entered. For us, as for Belgium, it is a war 

 of defence, waged for liberty and peace. 



Invitation to Entomologists of the Allied Nations. 



The Rev. F. D. Morice then proposed the following reso- 

 lution : — 



" That all members of recognised Entomological Societies 

 in the countries of our Allies, residing in or visiting this 



