Mediation and Arbitration of International Disputes

In this century, the peoples of the world have to a larger extent than ever before come to an understanding that in world affairs, as in domestic affairs, there can be no lasting peace without institutions for peaceful settlements of disputes and for peaceful political changes. When such institutions do not exist, nations, like individuals, are inclined to resort to self-help through non-peaceful means. Therefore, the peaceful settlement of international disputes, far from being a Utopian dream, has become a subject of the greatest seriousness and most pressing urgency, given added importance by the successive developments of this violent century. In the age of nuclear weapons, the peaceful settlement of disputes is a practical necessity for the survival of mankind.