Page:Emile Vandervelde - Three Aspects of the Russian Revolution - tr. Jean Elmslie Henderson Findlay (1918).djvu/235

 I have thought it wise to reproduce in full the arguments which were put before us in favour of a general Conference, but they did not convince us.

Our objections remain to-day more than ever unsurmountable.

Certainly, in admitting that the holding of a Conference might be possible of realization, it is probable that there would be a unanimous statement in favour of the independence of Belgium, and that the immense majority would demand integral restoration by Germany. It would be the same possibly for the reconstruction of Serbia and Roumania, the total evacuation of France, the withdrawal on the part of the Germans from all attempts, direct or indirect, at annexation.

But it would obviously not be the same for the other questions that of Poland, or Alsace-Lorraine, for example, where the Russians, the Italians, as well as many of the French and British minority, might readily agree in their longing for peace with the German Social Democrats.

And, on the other hand, supposing that in the end a programme acceptable to all