ABSTRACT

In America, as in England and France, bellicose opinions have become typical of the Left, while the Right has become more and more favourable for peace at almost any price. Similar situations have existed at other times: in France during the Revolution, in America in the disputes leading up to the war of 1812, and throughout Europe in the days of the Holy Alliance. But throughout the long period from 1870 to the rise of Hitler, it was liberals and radicals who favored peace. I think that their reasons for abandoning this position are fallacious, and that they are mistaken in imagining that the next war will be a Holy War; it will be fought, as other wars have been, for imperialistic aims, such as the control of the Mediterranean and the oil of the Near East. In common with the immense majority in England and France, I wish to see this war averted. But it becomes increasingly clear that it can only be averted at a great price, and that England and France, at some point, will refuse to pay this price. I think, therefore, that, in spite of Munich, war in Europe will come, and probably soon.