THE GENTLEMEN TALK OF PEACE

Ziff argues that a more realistic approach to the basic problems of the world is essential before peace can be achieved. He proceeds to analyze the situation in which the major countries find themselves, problems of adjusting aging forms of society to new needs. He sees governments forced to enter business -- collectivism inevitably spreading -- obsolete political systems collapsing. He shows how only radical action can serve if we are to avoid chaos ahead. He surveys various treaties, pacts, coalitions; he discusses panaceas for peace and the barriers to world federation, world policing, world government and their advocates. He appraises the various methods suggested for dealing with our defeated enemies, claiming that Japan is a simple problem compared with Germany. But his main thesis is concerned with the argument in favor of a five part world, each section composed of Federated Power Aggregates, loosely joined into a world order, each a self-sustaining unit, which would eliminate cause for friction (he assumes internal peaceful settlement, but does not indicate the how and whens). 1- U.S.S.R.; 2- United Orient; 3- United Europe, including the shores of the Mediterranean; 4- Mandated Africa -- until such time as Africa can handle its own problems; 5- Union of the West (to include the British Isles and the continents of Australia and New Zealand along with Americas, North and South....Ziff argues his case with less than the conviction of his Coming Battle of Germany. But any presentation, honestly projected, which opens our eyes to the intricacy of the problems ahead serves to stimulate further discussion and awakened interest.