The Bay of Plenty Times SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1943. FINAL STAGE SET FOR A NEW WORLD

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 13331, 18 December 1943, Page 2

The Bay of Plenty Times SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1943. FINAL STAGE SET FOR A NEW WORLD

In the series of conferences held at Cairo and Teheran, Field-Marshal Smuts, the veteran statesman of the British Empire, sees the stage set for the beginning of a new world. The conferences, which were momentous in the world’s history, were not only successful on both the military and diplomatic sides, but also laid the foundation for a new and better world. This, of course, is figurative. Our old world can never change, but what the statesman envisages is a change in the relations and attitudes of nations towards one another. If this is realised, then we will indeed have entered into a.new' world. But this new world must be the heritage of the rising generation and the generations yet to come. It would seem that this war with its horrors, agonies and tragedies, was a Divine visitation, to force man into a full realisation of his duties to himself and fellow men. Those duties are manifold, but not irksome, and when performed, give one a satisfaction which passes all understanding. Within a nation these duties receive recognition to a large extent, for kindness is the dominant note, at least that is so in New- Zealand. And in displaying this kindness many make real sacrifices. But even this kindness could be extended and improved. But we fancy the new world pictured by Field-Marshal Smuts has reference to international relations. There is accumulating evidence that drastic changes for the better will come in with the close of the war. We may be sure that the status of Germany and Japan, the tw r o aggressive and brutally-inclined countries, will be changed. Both nations will be confined to their respective territories. They will rank as pariahs and untouchables for some time, and that will be the measure of their punishment. They must atone for the crime of making war on mankind. As pariahs, no other nation will desire to associate with either of them, nor yet trade with them, and the Germans and the Japanese would thus be forced to pass in review their character defects, and national failings, and would seek to cultivate better morals, and a greater regard for mankind in general. The force of circumstances would compel them to this self-examination and ultimate reform of character. Most of the other nations have thrown in their lot with the Allies, and most have subscribed to the principles of the Atlantic Charter. Those principles, briefly stated, are good democratic government in every nation’s territory, goodwill and friendship for other nations and the largest measure of freedom of trade. The latter is of particular importance. Trade means work, and work means happiness, for at base we work for others as well as for our own sustenance and comfort. Freedom of international trade is the surest way of securing cordial and friendly relations between nations, and securing a prolonged peace in the world. Sentiment must not be allowed to become the dominant factor, in the building of the new world. Liabilities must be faced and realities must control the action* of all nations _ The new world is being constructed by the leaders of the English-speaking countries and the peoples of those countries have an innate and enduring love of justice and fair play, and the new world under their guidance would be worth living in. It is for the people, and particularly the young people to study the facts, and determine their course of action. The new Avorld is for them.