Germany’s declaration of war against France. She listened to the cries of the
elderly folk who recollected the Franco-Prussian war of 1870 and remembered
her own schooldays in Paris. Her prejudice against all things German and her
enthusiasm for France resurfaced in stronger measure in her emotional tempera-
ment as she reflected that she had always argued, as leader of the militant
women’s campaign, that human life was sacred.^66 WSPU headquarters was
instructed to inform the membership that all activity was to stop until the
present crisis was over.^67 Emmeline’s resolve to suspend the militant struggle
stiffened when the small country of Belgium was invaded and Britain then
declared war on Germany, on 4 August.
The Home Secretary, McKenna, responded half-heartedly to the announce-
ment of the WSPU truce, stating on 7 August that the government would only
release those suffrage prisoners who would undertake not to commit further
crimes or outrages. On 10 August, a begrudging McKenna, undoubtedly
responding to political pressure, reversed that decision, announcing that within
a few days, all suffrage prisoners would be released unconditionally.^68 Two days
later Emmeline sent a letter to all WSPU members, explaining the situation
and announcing a temporary suspension of militant action.^69 The militant
campaign had ended.
FUGITIVE