26
FMI
*
IGF JOURNAL
VOLUME 25, NO. 2
CHALLENGING ISSUES FOR CANADIAN LEADERS
of what shape the post-war world might
take.
His focus on trying to guarantee
peace was rooted in his experiences
from the last war which had a profound
effect on him, exposing even more his
deep humanity:
“Our sufferings have taught us
that nonation is sufficient unto itself,
and that our prosperity depends in
the long run not upon the failure
of our neighbours but upon their
success ... we know more about
other peoples and that knowledge
has brought a sympathy not only
of the head but of the heart. Such
a patriotism of humanity (which is
in no way inconsistent with national
patriotism) is the only ultimate
foundation for international peace.”
In January 1940, Tweedsmuir received
correspondence from Grenville Clark, a
New York lawyer who was proposing
an idea for the shape of the post-war
world. Clark’s memo outlined his
thoughts, which evolved over the next
two decades into a book entitled
World
Peace Through World Law
. He proposed
an international federation with an
original, limited membership but which
might be added to subsequently. This
federation would have a military force,
maintained by a congress and was
clearly an attempt to correct the past
deficiency of the militarily impotent
League of Nations that tried, and
failed, to sanction Italy over its invasion
of Abyssinia. Tweedsmuir agreed
with particular points about a larger
federation, enumerating and qualifying
certain aspects. But he cautioned that
“[w]ithout America nothing can be
done.” He recognized that Britain’s
leading role in the world as the protector
and disseminator of institutions that
guarantee freedom and democratic
government was passing to Britain’s
republican offspring.
Tweedsmuir suggested limited federa
tions, necessary “in certain parts of
Europe, particularly the Danube basin”,
to prevent conflict among the countries
and to contain those who might
otherwise become too powerful. He also
suggested that another grouping could
be composed of those who followed the
reign of law, for example a federation of
the Western democracies. Within three
weeks of Tweedsmuir’s last exchange
with Clark, he died, from a stroke and
subsequent fall and concussion on
January 12th, 1940.
It is fitting that some of the last, major
activities that Tweedsmuir was involved
in had its sights on the future. He
regretted war had broken out again. He
sorrowed still from losses in that Great
War and feared for his own family,
particularly for his sons who would be
fighting, two with the Canadian army.
Nonetheless, his optimism, intellect and
energy remained focussed. He could
not know how the war would unfold,
but there is no doubt he was confident
in the ultimate outcome, victory of the
democracies, and that the United States
would play the major leadership role.
The issues addressed and engaged by
Tweedsmuir three-quarters of a century
ago can provide lessons and inspiration
for us in dealing with the similar
inventory of public policy issues. To him
I offer the last word:
“[T]he only way in which we can pay
our debt to the past is by putting the
future in debt to ourselves.” “I am a
passionate Canadian in my love for the
country and the people.” “I only wish
I could make everybody as proud of
Canada as I feel myself.”
About the Author
J. William Galbraith is author of John Buchan: Model Governor General
published by Dundurn. He is a council member of the John Buchan
Society that promotes a wider understanding and appreciation of the
life and works of John Buchan. Following degrees from universities in
Ottawa and Brussels, Mr. Galbraith worked for a private sector business
research organization and has served in a number of Canadian federal
government departments and agencies, involving investment review,
intelligence, national security policy, and intelligence review. He lives in
Ottawa.
John Buchan: Model Governor General
Author:
J. William Galbraith
Foreward: His Excellency the Right Honourable
David Johnston Governor General of Canada
Foreward: Lady Deborah Stewartby
Paperback:
544 pages
Publisher:
Dundurn (Aug. 10, 2013)
Language:
English
ISBN-10:
1459709373
ISBN-13:
978-1459709379
