The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1917-04-15
Americas Leaving Ranks of
the Neutrals Changes
Situation.
WHO WILL MEDIATE?
Switzerland and Spain Are
Picked by Professor
Philips to Act.
tBy Paul c. Phillips.)

since the United states has given
up its position as the worlds only
great neutral the procedure towards
opening up peace negotiations has been
greatly complicated. Even with this
neutral its vital interests were such
that it could not fail to be concerne.
IN any negotiation looking towards a
settlement of the world war and it
influence and prestige were such that
Europe could not ignore us. AS long
each was anxious to secure co-opera-
lion and assistance in securing an
equitable settlement This was shown
quite recently when Germany made
efforts to open negotiations through
the good offices of the United States
T, Switzerland or Spain.
The force of circumstances, however,
has driven us from the strong position
where we could hold even balance be-
tween conflicting parties. and this
heavy responsibility will doubtless
devolvo upon some of the smaller ma
tons of Europe, If any such find it
possible to continue their neutrality to
the close of the conflict At present
Switzerland and Spain appear to be
the only powers likely to maintain
their neutrality with dignity and i'm
partial friendship to all the warning
nations. The Netherlands and the
Scandinavian countries have all failed
to maintain their neutrality unim-
paired. and all of these nations have
failed to preserve the position which
International law has assigned them
as sovereign and neutral states. They
have all been compelled to restrict
their exports to Germany in order to
obtain from abroad food which is nee
essary for their sustenance. They have
submitted to the exactions OF both
sides with ill-concealed anger and
have finally adopted the policy which
offers them the least danger with the
best chance of profit. None of these
nations can be regarded as fair and
impartial enough to play the part of
mediator, and none of them has in
fluence enough to demand a voice in
the final settlement.
Switzerland Too Small.
The position of Switzerland Is essen
TALLY different. She has maintained
her neutrality without trucking, and
with exact justice to all. She has the
additional advantages of location
which is easily accessible to both sides.
During the past century Geneva was
the favorite place for international
conventions. The great objections to
switzerland as mediator Is her lack of
influence In international affairs and
the divisions which have existed
mong her own people.
From the standpoint Of international
rolitics Spain Is now the logical in
tornediary. She Is the most impor-
tant of the neutral nations and has
many ties of friendship with both
sides. She has succeeded better than
most nations in maintaining her neu-
trail rights free from impairment. The
great objection to Spain as the seat of
peace negotiations is the remoteness
of her position from the center of
vorld politics.
The alternative TO peace arranged
on neutral grounds and through the
Of neutral nations is a die
tatod peace. II the German allies
should conquer. such q peace would be
arranged at Brussels or Paris. II the
entente should be completely success
full, 1t would dictate terms at Berlin.
Such n conclusion to the war at the
present time. however. seems improb-
able.
If. rs seems likely, the Germanic AL
lies should continue to lose ground,
they will doubtless attempt to open
once more peace negotiations, this time
Spain or Switzerland. II their
are definite enough to con-
vince their enemies that the time for
making peace has arrived, one side or
the other viii doubtless suggest Ge-
neva or a city in Spain as an appro-
pirate place where terms can be dis
When an agreement as to
place Is reached, it will be the duty of
the nation which Is to be the seat of
negotiations to act as impartial host
to both sides. Neither Spain nor Switz-
erland las sufficient weight to exert
much pressure in bringing any of the
nations to terms. 1t must now be left
entirely to the arguments Of the ne
gotiators backed up by whatever mil
itary success they may have to en-
force their demands.