THE CONSTITUTION OF A LEAGUE
Force for defense vs. force for aggression.
The problem of the League of Peace is actually the problem of the use of force. Force internationally expressed is measured in armaments. The chief discussion which has been waged for the past decade between the pacifists and militarists has been over the question of armaments. The militarists claim that armaments insure national safety. The pacifists declare they inevitably lead to war. Both disputants insist that the present war furnishes irrefutable proof of their contentions.
As is usual in cases of this kind the shield has two sides. The confusion has arisen from a failure to recognize the threefold function of force:
1. Force used for the maintenance of order—police force.
2. Force used for attack—aggression.
3. Force used to neutralize aggression—defense.
Police force is almost wholly good.
Offense is almost wholly bad.
Defense is a necessary evil, and exists simply to neutralize force employed for aggression.