There is no greater mistake than to suppose that platitudes, smooth words, timid policies, offer today a path to safety.

Every neighbouring state is an enemy and the enemy's enemy is a friend.

We sit in calm, airy, silent rooms opening upon sunlit and embowered lawns, not a sound except of summer and of husbandry disturbs the peace; but seven million men, any ten thousand of whom could have annihilated the ancient armies, are in ceaseless battle from the Alps to the Ocean.

Personally, I am always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught, but I shall not attempt to foreshadow the proposals which will be brought before the House tomorrow. Today it will be sufficient and appropriate to deal with the obvious difficulties and confusion of the situation as we found it on taking office.

Everybody has always underrated the Russians. They keep their own secrets alike from foe and friends.

Jellicoe was the only man on either side who could lose the war in an afternoon.