The change, be it noted, has been in public opinion. The small nations
saw in the attack on Greece the fact that their existence rests with
the League. French liberals perceived that they could reduce the burden
of armaments and achieve security only through the League. Statesmen,
leaders of thought everywhere, discovered that they were leaning upon
it more and more heavily as they looked ahead into the dark.
Winston Churchill, sincere imperialist though he be, writes: “It
is through the League of Nations alone that the path to safety and
salvation can be found. To sustain and aid the League of Nations
is the duty of all.” His government failed to live up to his wise
admonition in the recent crisis in Egypt, but it is something that he
should have recognized the obligation in principle. The League will
progressively destroy imperialism, one may hope.