Whereas, An intolerable burden of sorrow and misery is thrown on the women and children of Europe, those who had no part in bringing on the war and no possible interests to be served by it;
Whereas, No possible gain, economic or political (the restoration of Belgium being secured), can compensate any nation for the loss, distress and misery involved in this war and aggravated by each day of its continuance;
Whereas, No probability appears that military operations in any quarter can of themselves bring the war to its end;
Whereas, A sweeping victory tends to leave an increasing legacy of hate, with seeds of future wars;
Resolved, That the rational interests of the civilized world demand that the war be brought to a speedy close; and
Resolved, That a way to honorable and lasting peace may be possible along the following lines:
1. Recognition of the fact that no nation can establish rule or dominion over any other civilized nation, large or small, that peace cannot be maintained by the overruling power of any one nation, but rather by international agreements of those nations which reject aggressive war.
2. Guaranteed security to the small States of Europe, with relief of peoples held in unnatural allegiance.
3. The freedom, under international guarantees, of the High Seas and of the channels of trade, with immunity of commerce from belligerent attack.