“It is my intention within the course of the next few months,” Mervin Brown declared, “to lay before the League of Nations a scheme for total disarmament.”

Monsieur Pouilly was staggered.  A little exclamation escaped the General.

“What about those nations,” the latter enquired, “who were left outside the League?  What of Russia, for instance?”

“Russia is a great and peaceful republic,” Mervin Brown replied.  “All her efforts are devoted towards industrial development.  No nation would have less to gain by a return to militarism.”

“Pardon, monsieur, but how do you know anything about Russia?” Monsieur Pouilly asked.  “You have not a single secret service agent there, and your ambassadors are ambassadors of commerce.”

“I know what every one else knows,” Mervin Brown declared.  “Our commercial travellers are our secret service agents.  They travel where they please in Russia.”

“And Germany?” the General queried.

“I defy you to say that there is the slightest indication of any militarism in Germany,” the Prime Minister insisted.  “I was there myself only a few months ago.  The country is quiet and moving on now to a new prosperity.  I am absolutely and entirely convinced that the world has nothing to fear from either Russia or Germany.”

“Have you any theory, sir,” General Dumesnil enquired, “as to why Russia refused to join the League of Nations?”

“None whatever,” was the genial acknowledgment.  “Russia was left out at the start through jealous statesmanship, and afterwards she preferred her independence.  I have every sympathy with her attitude.”

“One more question,” the soldier begged.  “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.