"We can assure the English Cabinet—provided its attitude were neutral—that we, even in the event of a war, do not aim at territorial acquisitions at the expense of France in Europe. We can further assure them that we shall respect the neutrality and integrity of Holland, so long as it is respected by our opponents."
At the same time, he even then prepares the way for the invasion of Belgium:
"As regards Belgium, we do not know to what counter-measures the action of France in any war that might arise might force us. But assuming that Belgium does not take sides against us, we would be ready, even in this case, to give an assur- ance by which Belgium's integrity would remain intact after the conclusion of the war.
"These conditional assurances seemed to us suitable foundations for a further understanding with England, for which our policy has hitherto been continually working. The assurance of a neutral attitude by England in the present conflict would enable me to make a general neutrality agreement in the future, of which it would be premature to discuss the details in the present moment."
The composition of this sentence in English (would ... moment) gave Bethmann great difficulty. He had first written (in German):
"And we would be able to reply to the suggestion of a general treaty of neutrality with a naval understanding."
