The reconstruction of South-Eastern Europe

THE RECONSTRUCTION OF

much suffering in all belligerent countries of to-day. The Allied Powers fighting German militarism can assure complete victory for their cause only by remaining faithful to the principle of the equality of every nation of Europe, however small or great it may be. Humanity would be no better if, on the morrow of the victory of the Allies, German Imperialism is to be replaced by Russian, Italian or British Imperialism. Europe, scarcely emerged from a terrible and exhausting strife, would have to prepare for a new and more bloody struggle, in which the old passions and prejudices would remain, and where only the deadly weapons of mutual extermination would be new, perfected and made more effective. Indeed, it would be a pity for millions and millions of the brave and valiant hearts which ceased to beat on the many battle-fields of Europe, and the sacrifices of the greatest holocaust humanity has ever seen would be in vain, if the greediness of some should provoke and arm the hatred of others; if the oppression of the weak should be the perpetuated trait of European political life. Europe is to find her peace not in strategical frontiers, but in respect of the rights of the smaller and neglected nations.

This cannot be attained unless the political map of Europe undergoes many changes, and nowhere must those changes be so fundamental and important as in South-Eastern Europe.

4,