Sine* 1800, wart have reached a peak about every 22 yean.

Sine* 1800, wart have reached a peak about every 22 yean.

Hope for curbing wars is to be found in a report issued by the Foundation for the Study of Cycles, at Riverside, Conn. Since 1800, there has been a 22-year cycle in the number of international battles. a3 shown in this simplified chart, smoothed out to omit minor ups and downs. There is a tendency for about 11 years of relative peace, followed by If years of relative conflict.

Scientists are trying to learn the causes behind these war and peace cycles, with the idea that, once we know more about the causes, we can do a great deal more about controlling them.

One clue may be found in the fact that huge spots form on the sun at intervals of about 11 years. These spots alternate in a positive and negative character. At the time of a crest in the positive 11-year period, people seem to be more optimistic and able to work out their problems in a more statesmanlike manner. At the opposite or negative end of the cycle they appear more excitable and quick to anger, and wars develop in such an atmosphere.

A deeper knowledge of the regular patterns of international wars in the past should help guide us in making greater efforts to avoid conflict when tension is at a high pitch. By being more cautious, selfrestrained, and statesmanlike m periods of greatest danger we can lessen the chances of war. _ fj The Foundation warns, however, that we should keep our defenses adequate so that we will be prepared against surprise attacks by aggressors. In the meantime it is hoped that scientific study will result in finding basic answers to the problem of how to curb wars.