Article July 29, 1972 Issue

The Quest for a Lasting Peace

RICHARD A. MATHER

When the guns fell silent in Europe on November 11, 1918, thousands danced in the streets, and throughout the world there was general rejoicing. Many believed that World War I was the last war the world would see.

From our viewpoint in history, even the treaty sessions at Versailles contradicted the universal quest for a lasting peace. By their effort to exact reparations and impose penalties, the delegations once again planted the seeds of hatred and conflict. These later ripened into the savagery of World War II. Again and again in the half century since the end of the "war to end war," the prayers of mankind for a lasting peace have been shattered by the cruelty of war. Yet much of mankind continues to yearn for peace.

In the attempt to stop aggression and war many organizations have been formed. The League of Nations and the United Nations have helped focus the common desire for peace, and have provided useful channels of communication and service throughout the world. But the tense international situations, the wars and rumors of wars, reflect the continuing failure of humanity to find within itself an enduring foundation for world peace.

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July 29, 1972
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