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Whatever shall we do in future? The nation that does not arm…

Quote byJan Christiaan Smuts · 1870–1950

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: As quoted by W. K. Hancock in SMUTS 2: The Fields of Force 1919-1950, p. 360.

English (original)

Whatever shall we do in future? The nation that does not arm continuously is lost – as France has been lost, as Britain will be lost but for the Grace of God. In this mechanistic age where bravery and improvised organization at the last moment will not help. The only alternative is a League of the Nations or of some nations strong enough to withstand aggression ...

— Jan Christiaan Smuts

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