'The decline in the birth-rate was found to have become a settled factor in the population question.... The birth-rate for the whole Empire reached the maximum figure in 1876, when it stood at 41.0 per 1000 of the population.... Since 1876 the movement has been steadily downward, with the slightest possible break at the beginning of the 'nineties.... Since 1900 the rate has decreased as follows:-- 1900 35.6 per 1000. 1901 35.7 per " 1902 35.1 per " 1903 33.9 per " 1904 34.1 per 1000. 1905 33.0 per " 1906 33.1 per " (_The Evolution of Modern Germany._ p. 309) [33] Conversely it may be said that the economic position of the border States becomes impossible unless the greater States are orderly. In regard to Poland, Mr Keynes remarks: 'Unless her great neighbours are prosperous and orderly, Poland is an economic impossibility, with no industry but Jew-baiting.' Sir William Goode (the British Director of Relief) states that he found 'everywhere never-ending vicious circles of political paradox and economic complication, with consequent paralysis of national life and industry. The new States of repartitioned Europe seem not only incapable of maintaining their own economic life, but also either unable or unwilling to help their neighbours.' (Cmd. 521 (1920), p. 6.) [34] From a manifesto signed by a large number of American intellectuals, business men, and Labour Leaders ('League of Free Nations Association') on the eve of President Wilson's departure for Paris. [35] Interview published by _Pearson's Magazine_, March, 1915. [36] _Times_, March 8, 1915. 'Our honour and interest must have compelled us to join France and Russia even if Germany had scrupulously respected the rights of her small neighbours and had sought to hack her way through the Eastern fortresses. The German Chancellor has insisted more than once upon this truth. He has fancied apparently that he was making an argumentative point against us by establishing it. That, like so much more, only shows his complete misunderstanding of our attitude and our character.... We reverted to our historical policy of the Balance of Power.' The _Times_ maintains the same position five years later (July 31st, 1920): 'It needed more than two years of actual warfare to render the British people wholly conscious that they were fighting not a quixotic fight for Belgium and France, but a desperate battle for their own existence.' [37] _How the War Came_, p. 238. [38] Lord Loreburn adds:--