The Geneva Protocol, by David Hunter Miller

CHAPTER XX. 134
7. Speaking on the following day, the French Prime Minister expressed a similar view: "It is in the
development and the fullest possible application of the articles of this solemn instrument (the Covenant) that
France seeks for the rules which are to guide her future action and her foreign policy." M. Herriot welcomed
Mr. Ramsay MacDonald's suggestion that arbitration should be the test of aggression, and he expressed the
hope that the Fifth Assembly would be able to accept the principle of arbitration, which would solve the
difficulties, as henceforth the aggressor would be the party which refused arbitration. M. Herriot {221} added:
"Arbitration is essential, but it is not sufficient. It is a means, but not an end. It does not entirely fulfil the
intentions of article 8 of the Covenant, which are security and disarmament. We in France regard three
terms--arbitration, security and disarmament--as inseparable." A nation which accepted arbitration had a right
to security. "Justice without might is impotent. Might without justice is tyranny." In conclusion: "We stand by
the Covenant, but we wish to make it a living Covenant. We simply claim for each nation the rights conferred
upon it by the Covenant, no more and no less."
8. It is unnecessary to indicate in detail the views expressed by other speakers who participated in this opening
debate, from which it was evident that there was general agreement on a number of points:--
(a.) That as a preliminary to disarmament there must be provided an inclusive scheme for the pacific
settlement of international disputes of all kinds.
(b.) That the Covenant of the League itself provided the basis of such a scheme, but that it required
elaboration, precision and extension in certain directions.
(c.) That to give effect to such a scheme States should develop the principle of compulsory arbitration.
(d.) That a State, having accepted this principle, would, if it resorted to force in disregard of its obligation to
submit to arbitration, be automatically declared an aggressor, and outlawed.
(e.) That some form of co-operation must be devised for effective resistance to aggression, both as a deterrent
to any possible aggressor and as a guarantee of security to all States enabling them to contemplate a reduction
of their own armed forces, which at present constituted their sole guarantee of safety.
9. In order to give effect to these ideas, a resolution was submitted to the Assembly on the 6th September by
the British and French delegations in the following terms:--
{222}
"The Assembly,
"Noting the declarations of the Governments represented, observes with satisfaction that they contain the basis
of an understanding tending to establish a secure peace,
"Decides as follows:--
"With a view to reconciling in the new proposals the divergencies between certain points of view which have
been expressed, and when agreement has been reached, to enable an international conference upon armaments
to be summoned by the League of Nations at the earliest possible moment--
"(1.) The Third Committee is requested to consider the material dealing with security and reduction of
armaments, particularly the observations of the Governments on the draft Treaty of Mutual Assistance
prepared in pursuance of Resolution 14 of the Third Assembly, and other plans prepared and presented to the
Secretary-General since the publication of the draft Treaty, and to examine the obligations contained in the
Covenant of the League in relation to the guarantees of security which a resort to arbitration and a reduction