unprepared for closer relationship, is
fraught with peril, unless at the same
time, intelligent and deliberate steps are
taken to bring about that mental dis-
armament without which all physical
disarmament is futile.

International Understanding

The fourth object of Rotary seeks to
encourage peoples of all countries to a
better understanding of each other. An
important factor in this understanding
1s a sympathetic appreciation of the
economic life of all peoples, for on this
material base rest all the phases of
their national life. It is impossible to
advance good will if there is a rankling
sense of injustice and unfair treatment,
and world peace cannot be well and
truly founded except on a basis that is
economically sound.

Reams of pamphlets may be printed,
thrilling speeches and glowing perora-
tions uttered on the brotherhood of man
—but unless they inspire fair play and
fair dealing, they are so much waste
paper, so much idle breath.

Flags may be presented, visits in-
terchanged, healths drunk, inter-club

correspondence instituted; but useful as.

these things are their full value is at-
tained only when accompanied by a
true realization of the things that count
in the relations of peoples and in their
treatment of one another.

Rotary’s Opportunity

The wording of our fourth object is
of particular significance in pointing out
Rotary’s opportunity for bringing about
a better understanding among the na-
tions of the world. Rotary first promotes
understanding by giving men an oppor-

tunity to get acquainted with one an-
other and to meet in an atmosphere of
moral and spiritual disarmament. Those
who have attended international con-
ventions will realize how significant this
is as a basis of true understanding and
friendship. From increased understand-
ing comes increased good will for, as has
been often said, “it is difficult if not
impossible to hate a man whom one
really knows?

From good will eventually will come
peace. Peace in the world is not possi-
ble without general good will. So Rotary
by increasing world contacts, world
knowledge, world fellowship and good
will has proved itself in many instances
a real factor in preserving harmonious
relations among nations of the world.
Specific examples of this are referred to
in many pieces of Rotary literature,
copies of which may be had upon ap-
plication to the secretariat.

Patriotism and Expanding Interest

Rotary believes in and encourages
loyalty on the part of the individual Ro-
tarian to the country to which he
belongs. Rotary, however, is of the
opinion that it is both desirable and
possible to develop world understand-
ing and international mindedness in
the individual without in any way de-
tracting from proper national loyalty.
Indeed, to many it is clear that failure
to understand the world situation lim-
its one’s ability to be most helpful to
one’s own nation.

Having led the individual into co-
operative effort within the club, having
stimulated him to an expression through
his vocation of his acceptance of the
ideal of service, and having interested

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