What, then, was that policy? It was a policy of conditional neutrality. Under the circumstances of the case we did not believe that it was for the ho… - Benjamin Disraeli

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Engraved portrait of Benjamin Disraeli, facing right

What, then, was that policy? It was a policy of conditional neutrality. Under the circumstances of the case we did not believe that it was for the honour or interest of England or Turkey that we should take any part in the impending contest; but while we enforced the neutrality which we prepared to observe, we declared at the same time that that neutrality must cease if British interests were assailed or menaced. Cosmopolitan critics, men who are the friends of every country save their own, have denounced this policy as a selfish policy. My Lord Mayor, it is as selfish as patriotism.

English
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About Benjamin Disraeli

Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (21 December 1804 – 19 April 1881) was a British politician, novelist, and essayist, serving twice as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The anniversary of his death on 19 April is known as Primrose Day.

Biography information from Wikiquote · Portrait adapted from Wikimedia Commons, Cornelius Jabez Hughes (Public domain / CC0)

Also Known As

Birth Name: Benjamin D'Israeli
Alternative Names: 1st Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli Benjamin, Earl of Beaconsfield Disraeli Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin, Earl of Beaconsfield, Viscount Hughenden of Hughenden Disraeli Dizzy Lord Beaconsfield

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