Mr. G. N. Barnes, speaking at Dartford last Sunday, defined
his attitude towards a League of Nations, after reiterating his belief that the defeat of Germany's attempt to dominate Europe must precede any lasting or just peace. He would be satisfied if the League of Nations were formed now by the Entente Powers, leaving the door open for any other Power to enter later, the subsequent inclu- sion of Germany " not to be regarded as a favour to Germany, but rather as something to which she should be required to subscribe." The members of the League would bind themselves to submit all disputes to a Tribunal, and to apply an economic boycott, or if necessary " international force," against any Power which should in future break the peace. Mr. Barnes hoped that the immediately accomplished fact of a League of Nations might induce Germany " to reconsider her position." It might ; but Germany's " change of heart " can be brought about only by her defeat in the field. Her military idol must be cast down and shattered. We may note here that Lord Grey of Fallodon has just published a pamphlet on the League of Nations, with which we shall deal on another occasion.
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