These arguments about natural defences and strategic boundaries are pushed too far. Real defence and security comes from the guarantee which is given by the fact that they cannot touch you without declaring war on all those interested in maintaining things as they are.

Source, in full

Remarks to the representative of Geneva, Charles Pictet de Rochemont, who opposed the French claim to the Pays de Gex (May 1814), quoted in C. K. Webster, The Foreign Policy of Castlereagh 1812–1815: Britain and the Reconstruction of Europe (1931), p. 268

More quotes by Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh

I feel no wrath against the people. I am only doing my duty.

It is not insurrection we now want in Italy, or elsewhere—we want disciplined force, under Sovereigns we can trust.

We shall be found in our Place when actual danger menaces the System of Europe; but this Country cannot, and will not, act upon abstract and speculative Principles of Precaution.

State Paper (1820)

The steadiness of this country in the war will depend upon our making it clear that the Continent has voluntarily decided to seek its safety in arming.

Great Britain has perhaps equal Power with any other State to oppose Herself to a practical and intelligible Danger, capable of being brought home to the National Feeling:—When the Territorial Balance of Europe is disturbed, she can interfere with effect, but She is the last Govt. in Europe, which can be expected, or can venture to commit Herself on any Question of an abstract character.

State Paper (1820)

All Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh quotes →

Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.

These arguments about natural defences and strategic boundaries are pushed too far. Real defence and security comes from the guarantee which is given by the fact that they cannot touch you without declaring war on all those interested in maintaining things as they are.

Share this quote

Source, in full

More quotes by Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh

Attribution