NAVY LEAGUE STREET COLLECTION

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22336, 25 February 1938, Page 10

NAVY LEAGUE STREET COLLECTION

i TO THE EDITOB OF THE PRESS. Sir, —It is easy for people living some thousands of miles from the seat of government, from within whose centre trouble has first to be met, to preach idealistic views. Is it npt time that Christians learned a lesson from the complete change of front'of the •Labour and Liberal members of' the House of Commons since the opening of the Peace Conference in Paris on January 12, 1919? Nowhere could be found more ardent advocates of “peace at any price”, than among those members of the Tlouse of Commons at that conference and for years afterwards. But what a change of face has come about! When, last year, the Fascist-controlled Italian press exhorted the commanders of Franco’s warships “not to hesitate'to sink British ships loaded with war materials for the Spanish reds,” the official British edict was, “British ships must avoid Spain.” Then came the storm of pacifist indignation! Grant Dexter wrote; “British Tories, who are accustomed to a monopoly of fire-eating, were astounded by the fierceness of the attack from the traditionally peaceful Labourites and Liberals.” They, more than anybody else, have been, responsible for placing Britain’s defences in 'such a weak position; yet their complete right about lace to such an irresponsible attitude would, if adopted by the Government, have plunged Britain into war overnight.” And yet New Zealand pacifists would like to cripple the Navy!— Yours, etc., P. H. PRITCHETT, February 24, 1938.

TO TUB EDITOR OB THE PRESS. Sir, —If the Christian Pacifist Society was surprised that the Navy League was granted permission to hold a street collection, I for one was delighted. It is about time the country awoke to the fact that armed force is necessary to protect our Empire from ah increasing number of international burglars. The pacifists have had a very good innings since 1918; and where have their ideals landed us? By disarming and relying entirely upon the good faith of former enemies, the Empire has got itself into a position where it is the butt of almost any second-class European Power. Defeated Germany (through rearming) is now in a position to dictate and demand a return of former colonies, while the Mediterranean, instead of being a British stronghold, has reverted ±o an Italian lake.

Can pacifists be relied upon to take an active part in any war in defence of the Empire, weakened through their ideals having been tried out? To judge by their showing during 191418, I think not. My old wounds smart worse than ever when I think that in gaining them-1 was helping to make ;New Zealand safe for pacifists and all other cranks.—Yours, etc., GUNNER. February 24, 1938. ..