PLANNING FOR PEACE,

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 282, 27 November 1940, Page 6

PLANNING FOR PEACE,

I have completely misunderstood J.W.H. I thought our views differed only in that I desire constructive planning for a peaceful Europe now, whereas he was content to wait till victory is won. From his latest letter I gather that he neither expects a peace nor desires one since interference with human nature would surely fee futile. It seems to me, however, that the majority of people do desire, and expect, an enduring peace after the war. We ■were apparently simple during the last one. Cannot we then profit by experience? Instead of an ostrich-like confidence in our leaders let us insist on a plan now, and assist in the formation of that plan as your other correspondent, Mr. MacLennan, suggests, so that when hostilities cease we shall have some chance of achieving a sane and equitable system of society and international relationship for both victor and vanquished. As to the stokers of the Balkans cauldron, I am not suggesting that we attempt to convert Hitler or Mussolini or any other despot to humanitarian views. Get rid of them and their iniquitous systems, but let us be sure we do not spread soil for new and perhaps- worse tyrannical growths. WILLIAM BENNETT.