310 IN THE DIPLOMATIC SERVICE -XXIII 



propose obligatory arbitration in any case, save, possibly, 

 in sundry petty matters where such arbitration would 

 be a help to the ordinary administration of all govern 

 ments ; and, even as to these, they can be left out of the 

 scheme if your government seriously desires it. 



The great thing is that there be a provision made for 

 easily calling together a court of arbitration which shall 

 be seen of all nations, indicate a sincere desire to pro 

 mote peace, and, in some measure, relieve the various 

 peoples of the fear which so heavily oppresses them all 

 the dread of an outburst of war at any moment. 



I note that it has been believed by many that the mo 

 tives of Russia in proposing this conference were none 

 too good, indeed, that they were possibly perfidious ; but, 

 even if this be granted, how does this affect the conduct 

 of Germany? Should it not rather lead Germany to go 

 forward boldly and thoughtfully, to accept the champion 

 ship of the idea of arbitration, and to take the lead in 

 the whole business here? 



Germany, if she will do this, will certainly stand be 

 fore the whole world as the leading power of Europe; 

 for she can then say to the whole world that she has taken 

 the proposal of Russia au serieux; has supported a thor 

 oughly good plan of arbitration; has done what Russia 

 and France have not been willing to do, favored the 

 presentation to the conference of a plan providing for 

 the immunity of private property from seizure on the 

 high seas during war, and that while, as regards the 

 proceedings of the conference, Russia has wished se 

 crecy, Germany has steadily, from the first, promoted 

 frankness and openness. 



With these three points in your favor, you can stand 

 before the whole world as the great Continental power 

 which has stood up for peace as neither Russia nor 

 France has been able to do. On the other hand, if you 

 do not do this, if you put a stumbling-block in the way 

 of arbitration, what results? The other powers will go 

 on and create as good a tribunal as possible, and what- 



