EDITOR’S PREFACE 
Division of Economics and History was held in Paris, which 
limited itself to planning a series of short preliminary surveys of 
special fields. Since, however, the purely preliminary character 
of such studies was further emphasized by the fact that they were 
directed more especially towards those problems which were then 
fronting Europe as questions of urgency, it was considered best 
not to treat them as part of the general survey but rather as of 
contemporary value in the period of war settlement. It was clear 
that not only could no general programme be laid down a prior: 
by this conference as a whole, but that a new and more highly 
specialized research organization than that already existing would 
be needed to undertake the Economic and Social History of the 
War, one based more upon national grounds in the first instance 
and less upon purely international co-operation. Until the facts 
of national history could be ascertained, it would be impossible 
to proceed with comparative analysis; and the different national 
histories were themselves of almost baffling intricacy and variety. 
Consequently the former European Committee of Research was 
dissolved, and in its place it was decided to erect an Editorial 
Board in each of the larger countries and to nominate special 
editors in the smaller ones, who should concentrate, for the 
present at least, upon their own economic and social war history. 
The nomination of these boards by the General Editor was the 
first step taken in every country where the work has begun. And 
if any justification was needed for the plan of the Endowment, 
it at once may be found in the lists of those, distinguished in 
scholarship or in public affairs, who have accepted the responsi- 
bility of editorship. This responsibility is by no means light, 
involving, as it does, the adaptation of the general editorial plan 
to the varying demands of national circumstances or methods of 
work ; and the measure of success attained is due to the generous 
and earnest co-operation of those in charge in each country. 
Once the editorial organization was established there could 
be little doubt as to the first step which should be taken in each 
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