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a serious set-back for German autocratic-military
 
procedure. If Italy succeeds, it is the common
 
feeling that the two dicatatorships would unite upon
 
a policy of aggression.
 
 
This brings to my mind again the conviction
 
that the Senate minority attitude last February was
 
favorable to war. That is, we did as much to en-
 
courage German and Italian aggressions on weaker
 
neighbors as either Germany or Italy had done up to
 
October 1. I offered my resignation as a protest
 
against minority dictation in our country. Judge
 
Moore and the Secretary thought such a protest would 
 
be unwise, so the matter never came to your attention.
 
I am not blaming the Department. Its leaders know
 
domesic politics better than I; but I still think
 
I made a mistake in not simply handing you my protest
 
resignation. However, our country may still bring
 
the "civilized" world to pursue peace policies, if
 
it can stop all shipments of arms material as you
 
and Secretary Hull intimated October 31. While the 
 
domestic situation must be your fundamental problem,
 
world peace is not less important. If Italy, Germany
 
and Japan at some critical moment move at the same 
 
time in their spheres, I cannot see any way to stop
 
dictatorships. One of the ministers here said to me
 
today: "In that case I would commit suicide; your
 
country alone can save civilization."
 
 
Sincerely yours,
 
William E. Dodd