Frits Holm

Proposal to prevent war

Holm published a proposal in the late 1910s and early 1920s which he claimed would end wars.

The following measures shall within ten hours after the beginning of hostilities or the formal declaration of war be carried into effect, to wit: there shall be conscripted as simple soldiers or simple sailors with *rank of privates*, for the earliest possible participation in actual hostilities against the enemy under fire, the following persons:

The head of the state, if male, whether president or sovereign. All male blood relatives of the head of the state having attained the age of sixteen. The prime minister and other secretaries of state, as well as all under and assistant secretaries of state. All male representatives elected by the nation for legislative work, except such members as voted openly against said armed conflict. All bishops and prelates, or ecclesiastics of similar rank, of nation's Christian and other churches who failed publicly to oppose such armed conflict.

The above enlistments as privates are for the duration of the war and are enforced in disregard of the individual's age or condition of health, upon which the military medical officers will pass after enlistment.

The wives, daughters and sisters of the above-mentioned persons shall be conscripted as simple nurses or servants for the duration of the war for service only at the front as near actual hostilities under fire as dressing stations or field hospitals are established.

Japanese critic Hasegawa Nyozekan introduced a translation of the bill in the magazine "Warera" (我等), describing it as "certainly a good idea."

Personal life On 9 October 1919, Holm married Marguerite MacDonough Green in New York. She was the only child of the late Warren L. Green, the president of the American Bank Note Company.

Holm died 9 March 1930 from pneumonia.

Orders and decorations Holm claimed to have received more than 28 orders and decorations in the period 1902–1920, including: Grand Cross of Order of Honour and Merit (Cuba) Grand Cross with Swords of Royal Order of Saints Cyril and Methodius Knight-Commander Cross of the Order of St. Sylvester Grand Officer’s Badge and Star of the Order of the Liberator Knight-Commander Cross of the Royal Order of the Redeemer Coronation Medal and Cambodgian [sic] Medal of Merit in Gold (France)