Page:Emile Vandervelde - Three Aspects of the Russian Revolution - tr. Jean Elmslie Henderson Findlay (1918).djvu/270

 Belgium, from which she was detached, would give her more advantages than she could hope for in a separate existence; we believe that we shall be able to welcome her as part of Belgium did she freely attach herself.

No contributions. We mean by contributions an indemnity such as that which Bismarck exacted in 1871 from vanquished France, or that which Germany imposes continually in occupied Belgium. This contribution is like a tax levied on the weakest. It is one of the most cynical applications of the doctrine that might is right. Needless to say that, as strongly as the Workmen and Soldiers' Committee, we object to such an idea. But just because we do object so strongly we can only admit a peace treaty which would in some way sanction contributions levied by the invader during the war being repaid.

This question has a special interest for Belgium—let us say without exaggeration a vital interest; for if we do not