What is the theme in A Coffin for Dimitrios by Eric Ambler?

Civilization versus violence is a central theme in this story. Latimer is a civilized man from a civilized society. He comes from a university, a bastion of thought and consideration. He writes moralistic detective stories, where the world is neat and tidy, detectives use logic and intellect, and where villains and murderers get their just punishments. The worldview of Latimer is embodied by the League of Nations, which comes to the humanitarian rescue of dying Greek refugees from Turkey, indicating that reason and humanity can conquer war and tragedy.