Page:The New Protectionism.djvu/51

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
DEFENCE AND OPULENCE
27

of this country in the event of another war? Does it render less likely or more likely the occurrence of another war?

Let us here consider the first test.

Will the operation of such a tariff as is contemplated injure the power of Germany to pursue the aggressive economic policy imputed to her? She desires to build up strong internal industries, to push for foreign markets and a part in the development of backward countries, and for the possession or control of "key" industries. Now, it is evident that, if she could be cut off from all trade and other economic relations with this country, our Empire, and the dominions of our Allies, a large part of the world would be closed to her, and she would suffer. But would the general injury inflicted on her home industry and her foreign trade, and so upon the general growth of wealth of the German nation, be an advantage either to this country or to the Alliance for purposes of defence? Surely not, if it weakens us as much as it weakens our potential enemy.

This article is issued from Wikisource. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.