In Defense of France and the Peace of Versailles

Messieurs, we have won the war; now we must win the peace. And that may be even more difficult.

It is much easier to make war than to make peace. When war is declared, all energies are unified around a single purpose: victory. But when peace arrives, every conflicting interest and ambition reemerges.

France was the shield of civilization against military aggression. Four years of brutal combat on our soil left our provinces devastated, our youth destroyed. We do not ask for vengeance for the sake of hatred; we ask for justice and guarantees that such bloodshed will never again ravage our land.

Let those who criticize the Treaty of Versailles remember that peace requires vigilantly maintaining the balance of justice. France has sacrificed her blood; she asks only for the security of her children.