THE COMMON SENSE OF CO-OPERATION.
On the other hand, except for a few negligible militarists, the general attitude is no longer hostile to specific acts of co- operation with the " public services " under the League system. The League is regarded with a friendly eye for its work in economic reconstruction, health, the suppression of international criminals, and the increase of international amity. There is a very strong and growing sense in America, even in the Middle West, that Americans have international interests. Many Americans are now going on tour to China, India, and the Dutch Indies, instead of coming to Europe. An always increasing number are aware of foreign investments and of the possibility that the saturation of the internal markets may make it necessary for American industry to seek an export trade,. General audiences and, more especially, the graduate schools in Universities arc interested in foreign countries as they never were before. The knowledge of the League system is widespread, and I have myself attended an excellently organized " Model Assembly " at a University in the Middle West. But all this does not leave upon my mind the impression of willingness on the part of the United States to enter the League. The political efficacy of enthusiasm in America is, no doubt, much greater than with us ; for the Americans are easily swayed—backwards as well as forwards. But the League still remains a European system and, to American eyes, a Franco-British alliance. To co-operate in positive progressive action is always possible for the Washing- ton Government, with growing popular approval. Adminis- trative support given to League work without the signature of binding Treaties will undoubtedly increase. But, if one may offer criticism of well-intentioned advocacy, to press for decisions as to what the United States ought to do in an ambiguous future war or threat of war seems to alienate all but the most Europeanized of Americans. The real issue with respect to America and the League is the nature of the League itself. Advocates of the League system even in Great Britain do not seem to be willing to face the fact that fundamentally opposed views of the League and of what is involved in belong- ing to the League are in fact held by different members of the League. But that is a disagreeable subject ; and it is a British habit to avoid disagreeable subjects.
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