THE LITVINOFF PROPOSAL [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sin,—You interpret the Litvinoff disarmament proposal as a suggestion "that the keepers of civilization should destroy every means of defence and discipline, and that only, the brigands and bandits should remain with the means to enforce their wills."
Who are these brigands and bandits ? If the phrase is to be taken in its ordinary or literal meaning, it is for the govern- ments of the countries where these persons operate, and whose laws they presumably break, to deal with them—a matter which has nothing to do with international disarmament.
I conclude, therefore, that you mean brigand or bandit nations, tribes, or governments. Who are they ? Where are they ? What is their actual or potential military strength?
It follows from the terms of the Litvinoff plan that they are not among the nations represented at Geneva. Would you approve of a compromise under which the aggregate arma- ments of the Geneva nations should be limited to such propor- tions as expert opinion might deem sufficient to protect them against these outsiders ?—I am, Sir, &c., S. V. BRACHEM.
Press Gallery, House of Commons.
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