In ordering the conduct of which we complain, Germany commits an atrocious crime against humanity and public law; but those who, being duly commissioned, carry out her orders, are neither pirates nor murderers.
Holland condemns Germany's actions during the war while clarifying the legal status of those following orders.
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The only legitimate object which States should set before themselves during war is to weaken the military forces of the enemy.
War is an element in the order of the world ordained by God.
But I go further, and think the softening of manners can alone bring about this result, which cannot be attained by a codification of the law of war.
We see a general legal persuasion ever in process of more and more distinct formation uniting all civilised peoples.
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