Page:Paul Samuel Reinsch - Secret Diplomacy, How Far Can It Be Eliminated? - 1922.djvu/155



however, in a still more insidious manner : by the practice of using a language of ideal aims and humanitarian professions in order to conceal and veil the most narrowly selfish, unjust and uncon- scionable actions. The conventional language of diplomacy still carries in it many of the phrases and concepts instilled by the false idealism of the eighteenth century, to which at that time diplo- macy gave lip worship. The most disconcerting performances of this kind are the profuse and reiterated declarations promising the mainte- nance of the sovereignty, independence and in- tegrity of certain countries, when in fact the ac- tion really taken was quite to the contrary effect. The diplomacy of Japan has manifested pe- culiar expertship in the use of phrases that are associated with some wise public dispensation or arrangement and which have a calming effect to cover action not remotely in fact contributing to such beneficent providences. The sovereignty, integrity and independence of a neighboring coun- try are guaranteed in solemn terms at the very moment when force, intrigue and every tricky arti- fice are secretly employed to destroy them. "Strong popular demand" is alleged as a reason for harsh action abroad, in a country where the expressions of public opinions as well as policy