ABSTRACT
In fairness not to the aggressors but to ourselves -in the interest of that clear perception of realities that is vital to our security let the reader remember not only the aggressions but the invitation to aggression which preceded and faithfully accompanied them. It was hardly the most dignified position for a great power, and our official advances in the realm of moral suasion brought snub after snub from menacing powers like Germany and Japan and even from a second-rate power like Fascist Italy. When Japan, doubdess by a heroic effort, resisted the people moral suasion and attacked China in 1937, the people offered to both countries our good offices "towards composing the matters of controversy" those matters being an assault upon China by Japan. Towards drowning France the people were neutral by Act of Congress.
