charmed circle of suspicion, hatred and fear. By pursuing a policy of pacifism, and only by pursuing a policy of pacifism, we can break out of the circle. One generous gesture on the part of a great nation might he enough to set the whole world free. More than any other nation, Britain is in a position to make that gesture. "To make it," protest the militarists, "is to court disaster." But to go on preparing for war and thereby rendering war inevitable is also to court disaster-disaster more certain and more complete. Which is better, to take a risk for a good cause, or to march to certain perdition for a had one? XII This time the questioner is not hostile. "I am a convinced pacifist," he begins. "I have signed a pledge that I will take no part in another war. But war is still in the future, I want to do something now-something that will • prevent the war from breaking out. What can I do?" Let us try to answer this as briefly as possible. To sign a pledge refusing to take any part in another war is commendable. But it is not enough. Prevention is always better than cure; and where modem war is concerned it is in fact the only course open. For the next European war will begin without warning, will he waged at long range by scientific weapons capable of spreading indiscriminate destruction. Pacifists may have the best will in the world; hut in these circumstances they will he able to do very little to cure the disease once it has broken out. Therefore, while there is yet time, they must do all in their power to prevent the disease from breaking out. In a vague way practically everyone is now a pacifist. But the number of those who are prepared to put themselves to inconvenience for their opinioJ?,Sis always small. Most pacifists will go to the trouble of voting for peace; for the rest, they will he what the pun upon 30 Bib ioteca Gino Bianco
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