In the first place, when there is a policy of intentional aggression, inspired by a desire to get possession of the territory or the trade of another country, right or wrong, a pretext is always sought. Elihu Root
Down to the present day the luminous image of democracy has often served as a pretext for the most undemocratic actions. Randal Marlin
The museums and parks are graveyards above the ground- congealed memories of the past that act as a pretext for reality. Robert Smithson
The wolf never wants a pretext against the lamb. Portuguese Proverb
They give, to find a pretext for asking. Latin Proverb
The wrong doer is never without a pretext. Spanish Proverb