"Are you aware, sir, that since
Japan left the League of Nations on the excuse of her isolation, she has
been building aeroplanes and battleships on a new theory, instigated, if
you please, by China?"
"And look at her last balance sheet as a result of it," was the prompt
retort. "If a nation chooses to make herself a bankrupt by building war
toys, no one in the world can help her. Legislation of that sort is
foolish and simply an incitement to revolution. Look at the difference
in our country. Our income tax is practically abolished, our industrial
troubles are over. Our credit never stood so high, the wealth of the
country was never so great. We are satisfied. A peaceful nation makes
for peace. The rattling of the sabre incites military disturbance. Do
not ask us, gentlemen, to train armies or build ships."
"We ask you only to keep your covenant," Monsieur Pouilly pronounced
stiffly.
"Who does keep it?" the Prime Minister demanded. "The world is governed
now by common sense and humanity. I look upon a war of aggression on the
part of any country as a sheer impossibility."
"What about a war of revenge?" the General enquired quietly.
"You can search Germany from end to end," Mervin Brown declared, "and
find no trace of any spirit of the sort. I am sorry if I am a
disappointment to you, gentlemen, but the present Government views your
attitude without sympathy. General Richardson is expecting a visit from
you this morning at the War Office, and he will give you any information
you desire.
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