The desirability of a European Federation and. its relationship with a League of, Nations wore discussed on Nov, 22 at the Foreign YMCA. in a lecture by De.
G.'U. Poxy de Besta before a inege audience, The apeaker paid high tribute. to M. Briand, French Foreign Minister, and' said that the iden of a European federstion, through M. Briand's initiative, had finally been brought down from theoretical peak into the field of practical study and ce-operation, Being firmly of the belief that lonly a world-wide solution of politic fal and economical problems would be satisfactory, Dr, de Best it jon the subject of "A European jon and the League of Nax from a world-wide tical, esults of the Europe would only consist in the upbuilding of a European continentalism, or such " Europcun superstate should only continue in the foot [steps of an old imperialistic. diplomacy," he said, "then this unification would certainly not te desirable." He further advocated that og a [qcarantee against civil warfare, of the federation, an absolute equality between all members leognised in such an ergot Dr. de Besta said that not only such a federation is desirable, but unavoidable. The fast development means of communication, the shrinkage of distances, the inter mingling of economic, social and fealtural relations should bring about this federation in spite of the most tenacious or ost ferocious resistance from the part of every narrow-minded chauvinists, he suid.
Europe, this relatively small area, where 350 million people are daily watching each other with arms liliand, to-day represents, as it always has, at aspect which we cannot term other than heart-breaking," the said. "And yet, the idea that Europe cannot go on much longer
very fact that a leading European thas way, ie gaining ground, The statesman of Briand's rank voiced the necessity of a European federa tion, is symptomatic, Such a thing would not have been possible before ithe great world war, just as a League of Nations would not have been possible."
Turning to the question as to how European federation can be the speaker mentioned two inet ways: one outside the League of Nations, and the othe: the M. Briand's. project.
Tu choosing" the setond method, Dr. de Besta ex-
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