Elizabeth II Quotes

If independence is not at stake then I thing it right to consider such an offer.

It is desirable to put a stop to se ruinous Extremities, as well for the sake of our Country, yours—when an American falls, England feels it —Is there way of treading back this Step of Independency, and opening the door to a full discussion?

His Britannic Majesty acknowledges the said United States … to be fee, sovereign, and independent states.

How splendid it would have been had we blazed a new and better trail! However, it is to be doubted whether this could have been done, even if those in authority had so decreed, for the peoples back of them had to be reckoned with. It may be that Wilson might have had the power and influence if he had remained in Washington and kept clear of the Conference. When he stepped from his lofty pedestal and wrangled with representatives of other states upon equal terms, he became as common clay.

Historically, we were always complaining about others interfering in our domestic and national issues.

If the colonists hadn't rejected British militarism and the massive financial burden of maintaining the British military, America wouldn't exist.

Venezuela is a free country, and we will not be blackmailed by anyone. We will not accept being told what to do over Iran; we will not accept being anyone's colony.

I can do whatever I want. They will tell me if what I am doing is stupid or a total waste of time. I may tell them that they are wrong, and we will come to an agreement.

The American War of Independence is the expulsion of the intrusive elements, alien to the American essence. If American reality is the reinvention of itself, whatever is found in any way irreducible or unassimilable is not American.

There is a requirement to ensure the withdrawal takes place in a civilized manner. We will be able to show the world we deserve independence and freedom.

So, Blair keep your England, and let me keep my Zimbabwe.

The hope of the nation which throughout the nineteenth century had not for a moment reconciled itself with the loss of independence, and fighting for its own freedom, fought at the same time for the freedom of other nations.

By the Declaration of Independence, dreaded by the foes an for a time doubtfully viewed by many of the friends of America, everything stood on a new and more respectable footing, both with regard to the operations of war or negotiations with foreign powers.

It is weary work negotiating with these people [India's Moslem, Hindu and Sikh political leaders] It takes weeks or months to make any progress on a point which ordinary reasonable men would settle in an hour or so.

If Brazil should decide on separation, let it be under your leadership, since you are bound to respect me, rather than under one of these adventurers.

You try not ever to be in the position to compromise by coercion on your sovereignty.

Compromise is an underrated virtue. The world is awash with dead people because politicians would not compromise.

He had no gifts for the compromises with human frailty which alone can grease the wheels of politics.

The art of government is the art of negotiating and compromise.

[American colonists] had no common national tradition except that against which they were revolting.

The British courtiers are ridiculing our situation very much and tell Mr. [John] Adams [then Secretary of State], in a sneering manner, when America shall assume some kind of government then England will speak to her.

We must now oppose the further encroachments of Great Britain by war, or formally annul the Declaration of Independence.

We turn now to plotting our own destinies, setting our own agendas. We are determined. We know what we want. Nation to nation—a bilateral process with the Canadian government.

Every statesman must attempt to reconcile what is considered just with what is considered possible.

The Algerines, in particular, would never acknowledge the flag of the United States, unless it were made for their interests to do so.