※英語
In this grave hour, perhaps the most fateful in our history,
I send to every household of my peoples, both at home and
overseas, this message, spoken with the same depth of feeling
for each one of you as if I were able to cross your threshold
and speak to you myself.
For the second time in the lives of most of us we are at war.
Over and over again we have tried to find a peaceful way out
of the differences between ourselves and those who are now
our enemies.
But it has been in vain. We have been forced into a conflict.
For we are called, with our allies, to meet the challenge of
a principle which, if it were to prevail, would be fatal to any
civilised order in the world.
It is the principle which permits a state, in the selfish
pursuit of power, to disregard its treaties and its solemn pledges;
which sanctions the use of force, or threat of force,
against the sovereignty and independence of other states.
Such a principle, stripped of all its disguise, is surely the
mere primitive doctrine that might is right; and if this principle
were established throughout the world, the freedom of our own
country and of the whole of the British Commonwealth of Nations
would be in danger.
But far more than this – the peoples of the world would
be kept in the bondage of fear, and all hopes of settled
peace and of security of justice and liberty among nations
would be ended.
This is the ultimate issue which confronts us.
For the sake of all that we ourselves hold dear,
and of the world order and peace, it is unthinkable that
we should refuse to meet the challenge.
It is to this high purpose that I now call my people at home and
my peoples across the seas, who will make our cause their own.
I ask them to stand calm, and firm and united in this time of trial.
The task will be hard. There may be dark days ahead, and war can no
longer be confined to the battlefield. But we can only do the right
as we see the right, and reverently commit our cause to God.
If one and all we keep resolutely faithful to it, ready for whatever
service or sacrifice it may demand, then, with God’s help,
we shall prevail. May He bless and keep us all.
