Balfour (somewhat lightly): “We are probably fools not to find a reason for declaring war on Germany before she builds too many ships and takes away our trade.” White: “You are a very high-minded man in private life. How can you possibly contemplate anything so politically immoral as provoking a war against a harmless nation which has as good a right to a navy as you have? If you wish to compete with German trade, work harder.” Balfour: “That would mean lowering our standard of living. Perhaps it would be simpler for us to have a war.” White: “I am shocked that you of all men should enunciate
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