As Catholics we unreservedly subscribe to th[e] words of the Pope, which this in this hour of tragic convulsion recall to the whole world the indestructability of the moral law.
As Spaniards, we possess, if that were possible, an additional motive for subscribing to this vindication of the Rights of Nations. We are a neutral nation and, in that capacity, we have a special interest in the maintenance of the rights of neutrals in the face of any and every attempt at coercion on the part of the belligerent nations.
[…]
Imbued with these sentiments, we, Spanish Catholics, fervently pray that, whatever the military issue of the war may be, Belgium may obtain full reparation for her present wrongs and a complete restoration of her national independence.
3rd May 1916. To Belgium. [A defence of the attitude of Spanish Catholics to Belgium, signed by prominent Spaniards]. [SPEC S/D525 (P.C.142)]. This week’s war: 92.
