A TRUTH BUREAU [To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] SIR,—There
can be no doubt that though the League of Nations has many enemies, very large numbers of people throughout the world are heartily in favOur of the purposes- for which it was created. But no ultimate success can be expected if it continues to work under present conditions, and its very existence seems now to be in danger. There is, however, one way in which it might be led to the attainment of its ends.
The enormous power of propaganda is the greatest social danger in the world today. Recent wars have only been made possible by the careful moral preparation of the people of the offending nation. The League has only stepped in after public feeling had been aroused ; it has attempted by representations to Governments or the use of sanctions to calm a storm already raging. Its reasoning have never been understood by the people supporting guilty Governments, and have generally scarcely even reached them ; while its sanctions have been represented to them as unwarrantable encroachments on their national liberty and have therefore only added fuel to ftie. fire.
There is a method by which the League might act before acute situations are reached. If it did not always succeed in forestalling a crisis, it would at least arouse and maintain
such a body of moderate and informed opinion in an offending country that subsequent efforts for an equitable settlement could not long be resisted. If it were possible to inform popu- lations of the real facts concerning any matter in such a way that a lively consciousness of them should penetrate the public mind, opposing peoples would find themselves so far in agree- ment that a clash would be impossible.
It is difficult in England to appreciate how acute in many countries is the need for a sound news service. The Press and broadcasts are often distrusted, and rumour holds sway. If there existed an organisation for the distribution of impartial and precise news and information, it would satisfy a crying want, and would soon be relied upon throughout the world. The League is singularly well placed for the creation of such an organisation. A bureau should be formed in Geneva under the direction of a small committee of men of the highest stand- ing and unimpeachable integrity, preferably chosen from the smaller States with least international interests. These would be supported by a staff of reporters which would become world-wide, and a statistical office. As an educative body this bureau would issue information from its records, as well as news, to a world where its words would soon be accepted as the only certain method of learning the truth.
The initial cost would not be great, since the League already has buildings, records, printing facilities, a broadcasting station, and facilities for selecting personnel from its staff.—I
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