-2- 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 |