It became evident, however, with greater clearness and force {163} than ever before, that if the security and effective assistance demanded in the event of aggression was the condition _sine quâ non_ of the reduction of armaments, it was at the same time the necessary complement of the pacific settlement of international disputes, since the non-execution of a sentence obtained by pacific methods of settlement would necessarily drive the world back to the system of armed force. Sentences imperatively required sanctions or the whole system would fall to the ground. _Arbitration was therefore considered by the Fifth Assembly to be the necessary third factor, the complement of the two others with which it must be combined in order to build up the new system set forth in the Protocol._ Thus, after five years' hard work, we have decided to propose to the Members of the League _the present system of arbitration, security and reduction of armaments_--a system which we regard as being complete and sound. That is the position with which the Fifth Assembly has to deal to-day. The desire to arrive at a successful issue is unanimous. A great number of the decisions adopted in the past years have met with general approval. There has arisen a thoroughly clear appreciation of the undoubted gaps which have to be filled and of the reasonable apprehensions which have to be dissipated. Conditions have therefore become favourable for arriving at an agreement. An agreement has been arrived at on the basis of the draft Protocol which is now submitted to you for consideration. {164} II ANALYSIS OF THE SCHEME. 1.--WORK OF THE FIRST COMMITTEE. (_Rapporteur_: M. Politis) DRAFT PROTOCOL FOR THE PACIFIC SETTLEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES. _Preamble._ The object of the Protocol, which is based upon the resolution of September 6th, 1924, is to facilitate the reduction and limitation of armaments provided for in Article 8 of the Covenant of the League of Nations by guaranteeing the security of States through the development of methods for the pacific settlement of all international disputes and the effective condemnation of aggressive war. These general ideas are summarised in the preamble of the Protocol. COMPULSORY ARBITRATION. (_Articles 1 to 6, 10, 16, 18 and 19 of the Protocol_) 1.--INTRODUCTION. Compulsory arbitration is the fundamental basis of the proposed system. It has seemed to be the only means of attaining the ultimate aim pursued by the League of Nations, viz. the establishment of a pacific and legal order in the relations between peoples. The realisation of this great ideal, to which humanity aspires with a will which has never been more strongly affirmed, presupposes, as an indispensable condition, the elimination of war, the extension of the rule of law and the strengthening of the sentiment of justice.