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LÖ RD CECIL OF CHELWOOD
acquired through them commonly comes to an end. During the earlier and
möre hrilliant years of the League of Nations, Nansen and Branting were
great figures at Geneva. When they spöke in the Assembly the
representatives of the other countries listened to them witli respect and attention.
Tlieir contentions carried weight, and a cause which they supported was
always sure of a favourable hearing. Nor was this due solely to the
remarkable qualities of the men themselves. They liave passed away; but much
of the international importance of the Scandinavian countries remains.
Why is this? Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, are none
of them large or powerful States. They are not very rich; their populations
are relatively small; their armed strength is not great. Nevertheless, in any
question that comes up, men ask what view is taken of it by their
representatives. The reason is doubtless in part to be found in their geographical
position. As far as Norway, Sweden and Iceland are concerned, no one
covets their land. Their independence is assured. Though that cannot be
equally said of the other two countries, still of all of them it is true that
they are outside the main current of European ambitions and jealousies.
They belong to Europé but they are largely aloof from it. They have no
expansionist desires. They are content to lead their own lives, to foster their
own striking culture and leave other nations, if they will, to do the same.
The result is that the Scandinavian outlook ön international questions is
detached and impartial. Peace and progress are paramount objects of these
Nordic races. They have no enemies säve those whose nationalism, spurred
by fear or cupidity, threatens the tranquillity of Europé. Truly, if other
nations would follow the Northern example, the world would be a happier
place. Unluckily, this is far from the case. Every quarter of the globe is
at the present time unquiet. In South America, the Chaco war is finished,
but unrest remains. Even the United States is möre disturbed than she has
been since the Civil War. In Asia, two great Powers are watching one
another with angry suspicion. In Europé, doctrines are preached in möre
than one powerful country which, if accepted, would make any organised
peace impossible. And Africa is being desolated by a causeless and wicked
war which has enraged the whole of the coloured races and has shaken to
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