"But to cut off relations with an aggressor may often invite retaliation by armed action, and this would, in its turn, make necessary some form of collective self-defence by the loyal members of the League"

Arthur Henderson, a prominent British politician and Nobel Peace Prize winner, made substantial contributions to global diplomacy, most significantly in his efforts at disarmament and fostering peace between nations. The quote in question shows his understanding of the complex characteristics of worldwide relations, particularly within the context of cumulative security, as was significant during the early 20th century.

In this quote, Henderson attends to the potential repercussions of severing diplomatic ties with an aggressor nation. He recommends that such a relocation, although perhaps justified as a way of taking a stand against aggressiveness, may provoke an aggressive retaliation, consisting of military action. The expression "invite retaliation by armed action" highlights the risks inherent in diplomatic isolation of a hostile state. Henderson acknowledges the possibility that cutting off relations might escalate stress, rather than defuse them, resulting in dispute.

The expression "cumulative self-defence by the loyal members of the League" indicate the role of international organizations, like the League of Nations, in keeping global peace and stability. Henderson appears to argue for a collective reaction to hostility, suggesting that individual actions by single nations might not be sufficient to hinder hostile states or maintain peace. Instead, a collaborated and cumulative effort by similar nations-- those faithful to the concepts of peace and cooperation upheld by the League-- would be required to respond successfully to any break outs of aggression.

In essence, Henderson's words reflect the fragile balance in between asserting diplomatic principles and the realpolitik considerations of international relations. His advocacy for cumulative defense resonates with contemporary understandings of international alliances where unity and cooperation among countries serve as a crucial deterrent to aggressors. By emphasizing the capacity for diplomatic actions to accidentally intensify into armed dispute, Henderson made a prescient observation about the obstacles faced by nations in maintaining peace-- difficulties that remain pertinent today in an age of complicated international geopolitics.