Instructor in European History and International Law Sometime Carnegie Endowment Fellow in International Law SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMETS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN THE FACULTY OF POLITICAL SCIENCE IN COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY MEADVILLE, PA. 1920 PREFACE The purpose of this monograph is to present the historical development of the institution known as Permanent Neutrality as applied to states, together with the chief problems which have arisen for solution in the states which have been placed under that regime; and to show how such problems have been handled. Permanent Neutrality though frequently regarded of but slight importance, has, in reality, played a very important part in European history. An understanding of its principles and interpretation is absolutely essential for an appreciation of the history of Swltzerland, of Belgium, and of Luxemburg; and these small states have played in European affairs a part out of all proportion to their size. The field was suggested to the author when investigating an allied subject. He was surprised to find that Permanent Neutrality, although the subject of a careful study by Piccioni in French and by Richter in German, had apparently never been written up in the English language. The subject seemed particularly opportune because of the marked increase in interest in America in Belgium and her history, but this item played no part in determining its selection. The author wishes to acknowledge his indebtedness to Professor John Bassett Moore, Hamilton Fish Professor of International Law and Diplomacy in Columbia University, for invaluable advice both on the subject matter and the arrangement of the dissertation. His suggestions on the section dealing with Samoan affairs were especially helpful. His gratitude is also due to Professor Munroe Smith, and to Mr. Henry Fraser Munro, under whose inspiring leadership he was privileged to work during his stay at Columbia; and to his friend, Professor Harry James Carman, of Columbia College, for his interest and constant encouragement. Meadville, Pa., Dec. 1, 1920. TABLE OF CONTENTS I. THE ORIGINS OF PERMANENT NEUTRALITY 1. Simple neutrality and permanent neutrality 2. Development of respect for neutral rights 3. Proposal for a Joint Guarantee of Poland, 1791 5. Proposed neutralization of Malta, 1802 PAGE 9 9 10 19 6. Traditional policy of the Swiss people 2. Switzerland neutralized by the Powers for their 3. Neutrality violated during the Hundred Days 5. Is Swiss Neutrality guaranteed? Characteristics of the Belgian people 2. Early suggestions for a neutralized Belgium |