We can say little about the Socialist Congress at Stockholm
to discuss terms of peace, as it is still uncertain what countries will be represented. The French Socialists have taken an unexpected step in wishing to be represented. German and Russian Socialists are already on the scene. Both in Britain and France strong protests have been made against the idea of granting passports to Socialists to attend such a Congress. Our own view is that, as Russian Socialists have issued invitations to the Socialists of other countries, the Government need not forbid any one to go. We have nothing to be afraid of, or to appear to be afraid of. Let the Socialists discuss the fashionable formula of " No annexations and no contributions." We shall be astounded if they can agree. If they do agree, they will have thrown some light on the whole matter. It is impossible to get justice done without (1) forcing Germany to make reparation ; (2) allowing the local majority in every disputed territory to decide what Government shall role over them. But this involves what some one will call " annexa- tion," as we have explained in a leading article.
