The questions are to be discussed scientifically, and as far as possible without prejudice either for or against war; and their discussion may have such important consequences that the questions are presented below in extenso.
Report of the First Commission
THE ECONOMIC AND HISTORICAL CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF WAR
The Conference recommends the following researches:
1. Historical presentation of the causes of war in modern times, tracing especially the influence exercised by the striving for greater political power, by the growth of the national idea, by the political aspirations of races and by economic interests.
2. Conflicts of economic interests in the present age:
(a) The influence of the growth of population and of the industrial development upon the expansion of States.
(b) The protectionist policy; its origin and basis; its method of application and its influence upon the relations between countries; bounties (open and disguised, public and private); most-favoured-nation treatment; the attitude towards foreign goods and foreign capital; the boycott; discouragement of foreign immigration.
(c) International loans; the policy of guarantees; the relations of the creditor to the debtor States; the use of loans for gaining influence over other States.
(d) Rivalry among States with respect to capitalist investments in foreign countries:
1. The endeavour to obtain a privileged position in banking enterprises, in the opening and development of mines, in the letting of public contracts, in the execution of public works, in the building of railways (Siberian, Manchurian, Persian Bagdad Railway, Adriatic Railway, &c.); in short, the organization of larger capitalistic enterprises in foreign countries.