CORRESPONDENTS' VIEWS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 251, 23 October 1944, Page 4

CORRESPONDENTS' VIEWS

PEACE

(To the Editor) We are told once again that this war is to end war. I wonder how many times this glib slogan has been used in the past* We are also led to believe that after we have obtained complete and final victory we shall eventually reach the stage when the peoples of the world will be living under such ideal conditions that war and the causes of war will have no. place in the thoughts or hearts of mankind. In my opinion when war and strife have ceased it will be due to the fact that there is no further cause to strive or agitate for better conditions, because the peoples of the world will be content with things as they are. If ever this "Utopia" should eventuate, progress will be at a standstill, initiative and ambition will be unnecessary, for the people will be in a state of suspended animation, without ideals or incentive to improve these already perfect conditions. If we want peace and security or happiness and contentment we must 1 be in such a state of defence and preparedness that war would be virtually a losing hazard to. any nation or group of nations which contemplated such action. To-be assured of such a state of defence and preparedness we must out-think our potential enemies, and to do this we must study to improve our defence to such an extent that our efforts -will create a deterrent that will cause our envious neighbours to realise his impotence ana stupidity. Then, and then only, shall we reach a world-wide state of tolerance that will assure of peace for ourselves and children. SENTINEL.