Towards an enduring peace : $b A symposium of peace proposals and programs 1914-1916
History
Towards an enduring peace : $b A symposium of peace proposals and programs 1914-1916
Peace; World War, 1914-1918 -- Peace
(_F_) _Disarmament._—Equally important with the insistence upon an
international organization is the demand that disarmament be brought
about by international agreement.
(_G_) _A World Congress._—In order to bring about the creation of an
international order of justice it will be necessary to secure the
adherence thereto of both belligerents and neutrals. The difficulties
that result from the present catastrophe do not affect the warring
nations alone. They affect the whole world. In their settlement the
whole world should participate. A world congress should therefore be
called together. Such a congress should concern itself with more than
the immediate questions arising out of this war. Problems like that of
guaranteeing political and spiritual freedom to special nationalities
united with other peoples, though not direct issues of this war, are
nevertheless of vital importance to the future maintenance of peace.
In the foregoing an attempt has been made to suggest a possible approach
to the task of uniting again the international bonds that have been torn
asunder in this fratricide war. Whatever may be the ultimate solution,
there is abundant evidence of the growing conviction among belligerents
and neutrals alike that the hope of the world lies in the substitution
of law and order for international anarchy. The neutral conference,
therefore, feels justified in hoping that the end of this war will
witness the institution of an international order of justice which shall
make possible an enduring peace for all mankind.
Easter, 1916.
CENTRAL ORGANIZATION FOR A DURABLE PEACE
The Hague.
[Sidenote: Central Organization for Durable Peace.]
An important international gathering was held at The Hague from the
seventh to the tenth of April, 1915. The meeting, for which arrangements
had been made by the “Dutch Anti-War Council,” who sent invitations to
a limited number of persons, was composed of more than thirty people,
belonging to the following countries: United States of America, Austria,
Belgium, Germany, Great Britain, Holland, Hungary, Norway, Sweden and
Switzerland. Letters of sympathy were also received from Denmark, France,
Italy, Russia and Spain.
The object of the meeting was not to suggest steps to bring the war to
an end, but to consider by what principles the future peace of the world
could be best guaranteed. After full discussion a minimum program was
unanimously adopted.
MINIMUM-PROGRAM
1. No annexation or transfer of territory shall be made contrary to the
interests and wishes of the population concerned. Where possible their
consent shall be obtained by plebiscite or otherwise.
The States shall guarantee to the various nationalities, included in
their boundaries, equality before the law, religious liberty and the free
use of their native languages.
2. The States shall agree to introduce in their colonies, protectorates
and spheres of influence, liberty of commerce, or at least equal
treatment for all nations.
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