Page:Paul Samuel Reinsch - Secret Diplomacy, How Far Can It Be Eliminated? - 1922.djvu/233



ship from the point of view of abstract political independence, and assuming that it is best to make the very least possible contribution of en- ergy and cooperation, the national interest can be most promoted; so long will diplomatic action con- tinue on a strained basis, always being painfully conscious of the potential enmity among nations. But when it is realized that in nearly every case the national interest, or the interest of the people of the nation which ought to be synonymous there- with, is best advanced by whole-souled coopera- tion in constructive work in commerce, industry, science and the arts, then the political factor of diplomatic rivalry will assume more just propor- tions as compared with the other interests of hu- manity.

This borders upon a very broad subject dealing rather with general international policy than with the specific problems we were considering; and yet we ought to be aware of this background. We need not give up our conviction that the au- tonomy of the national state must be preserved and that each political society shall dispose of its own affairs within its borders as its wisdom and judgment may dictate, free from intervention from without. But complete freedom of local self-determination can rest only upon a