The "Scrap of Paper"

Places
Accession Number ARTV00423
Collection type Art
Measurement Overall: 73.6 x 48.2 cm
Object type Poster
Physical description chromolithograph on paper
Maker Unknown
Parliamentary Recruiting Committee
Johnson Riddle & Co
Place made United Kingdom
Date made 1914
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Copyright

Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain

Public Domain Mark This item is in the Public Domain

Description

British poster depicting the 'scrap of paper' signed by representatives of the Six Powers (Russia, France, Britain, Germany, Belgium, Austria) at the Treaty of London in 1839. The treaty was intended to guarantee the neutrality and independence of Belgium. It was later dismissed as a 'scrap of paper' by the German Chancellor Bethmann-Hollwegg in 1914.
The depiction of the 'scrap of paper' is designed to appear as a reproduction of the original: next to each signature is affixed the red seal of representative countries. The white paper of the treaty is highlighted against the dark green background. The individual signatures read as Palmerston (Britain) Sylvain Van De Weyer (Belgium), Senfft (Austria), H Sebastiani (France), Bülow (Germany). and Pozzo Di Borgo (Russia). The poster urges men to enlist because, 'The Germans have broken their pledged word and devastated Belgium. Help to keep your Country's honour bright by restoring Belgium her liberty'.

Order a copy