Here’s another of my dad’s editorials.
The League of Nations may emerge from its latest crisis-provoked by the Finnish demand for sanctions against Russia—either as a corpse properly stowed away or as a first-class tinder box for the inflammation of all Europe with war.
The possibility that it may be a corpse is obvious. Its inability to accomplish anything constructive in the cases of Czechoslovakia, Ethiopia, Albania, et al. has made it appear pathetic. If it does nothing now, it might just as well disband the political side of its organization. It may be the realization of this-and the knowledge that the league united even for a mere protest can be a valuable psychological weapon for the democracies-which led to the agreement to hold the session which will be opened Monday.
The league could become a tinder box simply by voting economic or military sanctions against Russia. It is highly unlikely, of course, that such sanctions will be voted. Britain and France have not yet shown any willingness to alienate Russia completely, and the imposition of sanctions at this time would be tantamount to a declaration of war. The smaller European states are anxious above all to avoid any action that might be regarded as “unneutral,” for fear that such action might be used as an excuse for invasion. The belligerency of South American nations alone will hardly sway the league.
It may be expected, then, that the official work of the league will be a vigorous but unimplemented denunciation of Moscow, with expulsion of Russia from the membership if Stalin doesn’t show his contempt by withdrawing first.
What is done unofficially may be the chief accomplishment of the meeting. The gathering of diplomats will offer a prime opportunity for Britain and France to test the tempers and inclinations of the family of nations. The hotel rooms and private offices of Geneva will be buzzing with the secrets of nations in the next few days, and the total of these secrets may well determine the fate of Europe.
Great editorial.
Having labored as a member of a Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial board, I know that writing cogent editorials is much, much more difficult than it would seem. It’s not merely throwing a bunch of opinions up against the wall and hoping they’ll stick.