Our whole policy since August 1, 1914, has been directed with a view to sparing the neutrals during the world war... I cannot yet put it down as a fact or as a result of this world war that our policy of sparing neutrals has extended the circle of our friends. Nor is it right to present it as a dogma that annexation or the detachment of territories creates hostility and hatred, while understanding and solicitude results in friendship.

Speech in the Reichstag, 18 March 1918