Anti War Statement by Frederic J Osborn

 

Anti War Statement by Frederic J Osborn, 18 May, 1917 (extract)

HALS Ref DE/FJO/A19/1A/3

Anti War Statement by Frederic J Osborn

18 May, 1917 (extract)

HALS ref DE/FJO/A19/1A/3

18/5/17

Brief statement difficult

The war a disaster to humanity for which rulers of Europe are collectively responsible. Vast mass of people have no quarrel, and no real conflict of interest.

They kill each other by millions, believing it is necessary in self-defence. We and the French are defending ourselves against (Germany?) it.

Real conflict of interest, therefore real cause of war in modern times, is the conflict between rival financial commercial groups, + rival ambitions of political rulers.