Page:Paul Samuel Reinsch - Secret Diplomacy, How Far Can It Be Eliminated? - 1922.djvu/190



do not think the Government in June, 1914, had the slightest idea that there was any danger ahead." A remarkable statement, when we con- sider the actions and reactions of secret diplo- macy during the decade preceding the war. It has been quite truly said that diplomacy is far more eminent in autopsy than in diagnosis. M. Cberadame somewhat severely observes, "The typical diplomat lives in a world of his own. His information is rarely obtained by direct observa- tion of people and facts." And while ordinarily men of exceptional talents are selected for the difficult position of Minister for Foreign Affairs, yet all considered, it is hard to believe that were decisions on the essential matters of international life made on a broader basis, and influenced more by a direct action of public opinion, the result would be less wise.

Active participation of the people in the mak- ing of momentous decisions regarding foreign af- fairs, is denied either under the assumption that the people might not be ready to face the fateful test, or, by the majority, with the thought that the people are too excitable and rash to be trusted with such far-reaching decisions. While it is in- deed easy to generate warlike excitement among the masses, it must be remembered, when such a