A MARTIAL ILLUSION

The problem of the real exultance of tables, soup spoons, and other material objects has troubled metaphysicians for centuries, but it has scarcely disturbed the ordinary man. In the last week the question of the real existence of war, although undisputed in a general sense, has in a special instance become a subject of concern to the whole world. For unless Japan and China can be brought to admit that they are at war, the Kellogg pact cannot be invoked to force steps toward peace in the Far East.

How effective the Kellogg Pact would be in outlawing war has been to many an open question. And the present situation in Manchuria gives some support to the sceptics. It has thrown a searching light on a loophole which might allow evasion of the Pact. Signatories to the Pact are prevented from taking action if one of the nations in question denies the existence of war.

As matters stand the United States could apparently send marines into Carribean countries, as she has done in the past, with impunity. So long as "maintaining order" is the object, military action is a legal procedure, or could be so construed at least. Even the bombing of a town, if done in defense against a threat to national interests, might escape classification as an act of war.

What seems an obviously hostile action, and as such war, to common sense cannot immediately be so labelled in international law. Unless the international legal code can be more strictly interpreted, it looks as if a great power could protect its interests by force at least to some extent. Failing such strict interpretation, the rule will hold that instead of two, there must be two equals "to make a fight."