PEACE PROBLEMS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 282, 28 November 1941, Page 8

PEACE PROBLEMS

CONSTRUCTIVE STEPS

AUCKLAND BODY'S EFFORTS

"It would not be presumptuous to claim that the branch has in the past year fulfilled as completely as ever before the true functions of the League of Nations Union. Not only has it devoted itself to keeping alive the principles of the Covenant, but it has taken important and constructive steps in applying those principles to the world as it is to-day and as it will be to-morrow. It has given a much needed lead to its members and to the public in their thinking about the problems of the organisation of peace." So stated the retiring president or the Auckland branch of the League of Nations Union, Professor Julius Stone, in his report to the annual meeting of the branch last night.

Professor Stone referred to papers circulated by the branch on the questions of international relations and peace problems, and said that there was ample evidence that they were widely appreciated. The draft statement of policy was considered at the Dominion conference and was now before the Dominion Council for final adoption. One reason why this activity was a cause of great satisfaction was that when the year opened discussion of peace aims was not welcomed. It required no little resolution for the executive to decide to take up the task. It was, however, the right and necessary thing to do; and it was done. The Atlantic Charter "After it had been begun—l am not suggesting cause and effect—a singular change came about in the general position largely as a result of the Churchill-Roosevelt declaration, which has come to be known as the Atlantic Charter," added Professor Stone. "Since then it has become quite respectable to discuss peace aims; we can properly be proud that in some small measure we prepared the way in New Zealand. Even after that, however, there was still a hard way and an easy way to choose between. The easy way was to accept the charter as not only good in itself but as a complete plan, and thus avoid further work and possible unpopularity. We chose the hard way, which was to recognise that the" charter was only a preliminary statement of principles, in itself of great value, but only the merest starting point for the work which must be done before we are ready to make a wise peace. We therefore did not abandon our independent share in that work, and I am sure that we shall not do so in the future. . . . We can end this year and anticipate the next with the complete confidence that we have a very -important function to perform, and that there is everv sign that we can. with effort on ail our parts, perform it well. In so doing, we shall be strengthening those forces in the world which offer hope to mankind. We have done so, and must continue to do so, not by vague emanations of goodwill. but by bringing to the forefront the harsh realities of the problems of peace-making and stimulating our fellow-citizens into the thought and the action necessary for their solution."

The meeting congratulated Professor Stone on his appointment to a position in Australia, in which there was extended scope for the exercise of his influence in international affairs. Regret was also expressed that this appointment necessitated him relinquishing his position as president of the branch, and the work which he had done for the union and the community was acknowledged with deep appreciation. A motion was also passed placing on record appreciation of the services of the hon. secretary. Mrs. Margaret ynne. to the organisation durinsr the past five years. Election of Officers The election of officers resulted follows:—President, the Rev. J D Smith; vice-presidents. Mr W T G Airey. Mrs Wynne. Mr. L. Phillips! Professor H. Belshaw, and the Hon. T. Bloodworth. executive. Messrs. S. Leathern, L. Meggitt F M HiHs. A. B. Thompson. F. C. Jordon! H. T. Thomas. E. A. Horsman. Mr« X. M. Molesworth. Miss E. M. Johnston and Miss Marton; hon. secretarv and treasurer. Mrs. E. A. Reillv; hori auditor, Mr. A. R. w. Gregory.