When reminded that Belgium was guaranteed by the European Powers, Bismarck replied that “a guarantee was in these days of little value.” This remark makes an excellent register of the diplomatic temperature of the hour.
Morley highlights Bismarck's cynical view on diplomatic guarantees, illustrating the precariousness of peace.
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All alike concerned themselves with its truth or falsehood, with what they counted to be its abstract fitness or unfitness.
It would be a happy day for the Peace Society that should give the colonies a veto on imperial war.
Is it natural effervescence, or is it deadly fermentation?
I think they will commit a great error if they take this course.
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