Disarmament and the Present Outlook for Peace

IN any discussion of disarmament and the present outlook for peace, our outlook must be almost wholly upon Europe, for the Orient, important though it be, is an almost negligible factor compared with Europe. As to Europe there are two, or perhaps three focal points, the most important of which is Geneva because of the Preliminary Conference upon this subject that takes place there this month. Of that Conference and the scope of its work, I shall speak later. While discussion of general principles does not in itself help us greatly in coming to a conclusion, they must be borne in mind if we would have a correct understanding of the problems involved, and I would like to make a few general observations for that purpose. In the first place, no mere formulas agreed to by the nations of the world, and no machinery set up for the preservation of peace can in themselves prevent war. All the nations of the world may meet in an international conference and declare war a crime, but that may mean little more than that the nation that keeps its pledges longest shall suffer at the hands of a nation that breaks them first. The League of Nations may have the highest ideals, and noblest purposes expressed in its charter or Covenant, but if it is utilized to further selfish ambitions and perpetuate existing injustices, it may be a menace rather than a safeguard to world peace. The World Court may continue for all time, as it exists to-day, a forum for the administration of international justice, impartially and with