THE STEEP PLACES

Russia's power lies in the disunity of those peoples who would oppose her aggressions but cannot agree on the method and policy. Moscow will oppose any cooperative relationship, unless con of Western unity; mismanagement will only strengthen her hands. Norman Angell's voice is not unimportant- and here is his contribution to the cause -- a plea for an increasing sense of responsibility for avoiding sweeping judgments rooted in emotional partisanship"" which now cement disunity. Fundamental human nature may not change; ways of thought and feeling vary. To this end we must recognize the lessons of the past and interpret them aright. This book charts a way- faces issues clearly, claiming that people want economic welfare and security more than they want peace -- that the public is color blind and fact blind. It is fashionable to talk of Britain as ""finished""-of fear of Russia- of fear of disturbing balance in employment by admitting D.P.'s. There is always the danger of a moral passion for immoral causes -- of phobias cherished. He discusses the place of power in a free society -- stressing the importance of recognizing the military as an instrument of political power; warning of the danger in the power of words, urging the maintenance of the right of political opposition. The issue today is not Socialism vs Capitalism, but whether the state or political and intellectual freedom will bring about social change, change that is inevitable. The section entitled ""Ignored History"" presents cogent arguments for the contribution made by the British Commonwealth and outlines the process of deimperialization by peaceful evolution, and finally weighs the factors contributing to the tragedy of the Anglo-American failure. He sees Russia more powerful and dangerous in infiltration than in intimidation -- and pleads for the citizens of the western democracies to admit the possibility of cooperation- and accept the necessity of individual responsibility to that end. Cogent reasoning, challenging the thoughtful citizen. And from the author of The Great Illusion, a revealing study of the forces operating toward war and peace today. Not for a wide general sale- but an essential book for every shop and library.