Dear Miss Addams
Miss Courtney has asked me to send you the wording of the Objects of the British Section as drawn up at our Annual Council Meeting on February 19th. They are to be followed by a summary of the immediate [program] for the year.
I think it is generally accepted within the W.I.L.P.F. as allowable for a section to frame its objects in its own language in accordance with the principles laid down by our Congresses. [page 2]
It seems to me personally, if I may express my own opinion, far better to leave the matter at that in a League like ours made up of such a variety of types, but held together by a very fervent desire to further the ends of peace in the best possible way, each in our own country. That is a very real bond & to try to tie us all down to a formula would be such a pity & would I feel sure injure the work.
That is why I am so sorry about the attitude taken up by the British Executive about the objects as passed at Washington.
The point of order raised is in my view not at all valid, & it will lead to the criticism that the British Section tries to raise legal technicalities (based on English procedure) to rescind majority decisions.
The points as I see them are
(1). We knew there was a proposal to reconsider the wording of the objects at Washington months before Congress.
(2) It has never been the rule in the League to circulate the text of all resolutions [page 3] to be discussed at Congress, (However desirable that it should be the practice in future)
3. The British delegation was represented on the subcommittee from which the final text of the objects emanated
4. The British Section was clearly & heavily outvoted on the objects in Congress.
5. No point of order was raised at the time relative to the text not having been previously circulated to the sections.
6. The question of a pledge & the question of basing the League on a definite affirmation not to take part in any kind of war has been repeatedly discussed at our Congresses. It has been defeated, but the discussion has never been ruled out of order on the grounds that the National Sections have had no chance of [pronouncing] on the point.
I do very earnestly hope that that point will be withdrawn by the British Section. I have urged this on Miss Courtney & other officers. [page 4]
I hope you will forgive me writing all this to you. As one of the British delegates I feel strongly on the matter & a source of responsibility. Although I am leaving this post, I shall follow the League’s progress with keen interest & hope to keep in close touch.
I have been offered & have accepted a post for 6 months at least with the Federation of Women Civil Servants, with whom I have worked before. Their equality campaign interests me greatly & I shall have an improvement in salary. I must try to spare some time for the peace movement still.
I have to give up my hope of coming to America this year. I hope this letter will be in time to stop you taking any trouble on my behalf on receiving my previous letter.
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