world at arms - wage war for your nation!

Let us give no promises we cannot keep-make no meaningless assurances to an Ethiopia, a Czechoslovakia, or a Poland. There must be no question of trading or bluff in this hemisphere. It must be both within our intent and our capabilities. Let us make clear to all countries where this line lies. Up to this line we may adjust our affairs to gain the advantages of peace, but beyond it must lie all the armed might of America, coiled in readiness to spring if once this bond is cut. A neutrality built on pacifism alone will eventually fail.īefore we can intelligently enact regulations for the control of our armaments, our credit, and our ships, we must draw a sharp dividing line between neutrality and war there must be no gradual encroachment on the defenses of our nation. National life and influence depend upon national strength, both in character and in arms. Let us give no one the impression that America’s love for peace means that she is afraid of war, or that we are not fully capable and willing to defend all that is vital to us.

It is essential to define clearly those principles and circumstances for which a nation will fight. Much as peace is to be desired, we should realize that behind a successful policy of neutrality must stand a policy of war. The future of our nation and of our civilization rests upon the wisdom and foresight we use. We are faced with the need of deciding on a policy of American neutrality. Tonight, I speak again to the people of this country who are opposed to the United States entering the war which is now going on in Europe.

World at arms - wage war for your nation!