Happy 92nd anniversary Kellogg-Briand Pact, the law that outlawed war

U.S. Secretary of State Frank B. Kellogg and French Foreign Minister Aristide Briand signed the Kellogg-Briand Treaty August. 27, 1928. A total of 63 nations joined the pact, making it the most ratified treaty in history at that time. While if did not prevent World War II, it established, for the first time in history, that aggressive war is an international crime, requiring that no territory seized in such wars be recognized by the international community. Its directive served as the foundation for the Nuremberg and Tokyo War Crime Trials. It has greatly diminished wars of territorial acquisition, but much work remains to fully secure peace around the world. Still on the books as US law but we violate it routinely. That must end.

Every year the West Suburban Peace Coalition conducts a Peace Essay Contest which asks the question: 'How can we better obey the law against war'. The winners this year were from Lombard, Wheaton and Lagos, Nigeria. Other entries were received from around the country.

Peace, if not now...when.

Walt Zlotow

Glen Ellyn