Theophile Delcasse Quotes
They have the troops; we only have the arguments.
The French had arrived there first an “claimed” the area with a tiny military contingent under Lieutenant Marchand. However, the British arrived afterward with a much larger military force. London and Paris decided that the French should withdraw in favor of the British. Delcasse had been right. Another case of “might makes right.”
Theophile Delcasse, 1852-1923, French Foreign Minister, Statement to his associates regarding the international dispute the French were having with the British over who had the “rights” to Fashoda, a strategic location in Africa on the White Nile, October 1898
Sourced by: Eigen's Political and Historical Quotations
The great European powers were attending an International Congress—Summit Meeting of the heads of government and their diplomats to deal with the crisis of Tsarist Russian military expansionism. None of the other European powers of the time wanted or could afford war so Russia could only be thwarted by Great Britain. There were many in England who thought that the British should not even attend and should send troops immediately. The Queen and the Royal Family were among those. At the Congress Disraeli, who had much personal affection for Queen Victoria, wanted to reassure her. 1st Earl of Beaconsfield. If the Congress did not succeed the mainland of Europe would have been at war. Disraeli obtained everything England wanted. See Russian Ambassador Prince Gortchakoff’s observation.
This view maintains that a nation must be willing to use force and appear to others that it is willing if it is to get any benefit from soft power. Others disagree.
England in this quotation claims the right to interfere in the internal affairs of another nation if there is mismanagement or crises AND her national interests are affected.
At the time many physicians believed that “bleeding” patients would contribute to their health. So bloodletting was then a standard medical treatment.
This was an official publication of the U. S. Army
Baratier wanted to defend Fashoda at all costs as a matter of French honor. The Minister was trying to broaden his understanding of French honor and avoid a military defeat. A diplomatic solution was found that preserved everyone’s honor.
The highest court in New York.
Théophile Delcassé was a French statesman and foreign minister 1898–1905. He is best known for his hatred of Germany and efforts to secure alliances with Russia and Great Britain that became the Entente Cordiale. He belonged to Radical party and was a protege of Léon Gambetta.
