Quote#Politics & Power
The Allies had made war, not for the sake of subjugating any power,…
Quote byRobert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh · 1769–1822
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Speech in the House of Commons (15 March 1815), column 295.
English (original)
The Allies had made war, not for the sake of subjugating any power, but for the sake of preserving the whole of Europe from subjugation; they had succeeded in their object; and they had endeavoured to give to the different powers of the European commonwealth a protection from that danger by which they had already been destroyed.
— Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh
More from Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh
The steadiness of this country in the war will depend upon our making it clear that the Continent has voluntarily decided to seek its safety in arming.
If we are to undertake the job, we must leave nothing to chance. It must be done upon the largest scale... [Y]ou must inundate France with force in all directions. If Bonaparte could turn the tide, there is no calculating upon his plan; …
These arguments about natural defences and strategic boundaries are pushed too far. Real defence and security comes from the guarantee which is given by the fact that they cannot touch you without declaring war on all those interested in …
I still feel great doubts about the acquisition in sovereignty of so many Dutch colonies. I am sure our reputation on the Continent, as a feature of strength, power, and confidence, is of more real moment to us than an acquisition thus …
It is not insurrection we now want in Italy, or elsewhere—we want disciplined force, under Sovereigns we can trust.
I feel no wrath against the people. I am only doing my duty.