CHRISTMAN PACIFIST ACTIVITIES

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23323, 8 May 1941, Page 12

CHRISTMAN PACIFIST ACTIVITIES

tetter is not. written with the object Of the rights and wrortgs of war,-but of attempting to remove from the mind of your correspondent, Mr. a W- Keeley, and others of your readers who hold similar views; ; misunderstandings about the Christian pacifists who have been imprisoned, and qthers who will shortly comri up for sentence.. First, they are Christian pacifists. They are not political pacifists who on more'convenient occasions would use military methods to implement their-policy. Their pacifism, whether it is mistaken or not, is a vital part, of their Christian creed and discipleship. ■..■;■....■. Also, they are not trying to use gaol as a funk hole during the war. Did your-correspondent know them,, he would readily agree. It is significant that in England, where the devastation and pain and brutal-; ity "of wat have"been ielt mote■'acute--ly than wiy^hejein- this modern world, a fair'degree of freedom is allowed and tolerance'practised. The Government's task, admittedly, is very difficult. Compared .with the methods adopted in the last- war, their treatment of conscientious objectors and pacifists, has in many respects been cbminendable.. ; To.degenerate in their treatment-of these,men of goodwill would be evidence*;of' weakness; not strength.—Yours,; etc., y c. o; HAILWOOD. | May 6 t f1941> v ; ; SiTi—Your correspondent, C. W. Keeley, suggests that certain members of the Cttristian pacifist Society are using l at year or more of imprisonment »s; ; »'wftiie'(presumably from .the obligation Qf, military, service). His aesumption i& in error, for. under the General Classification, Order of 1940, the obligation >fffiaes immediately the terminates.. the Armed I provide a much mora? cfaKtual'fQrm of protection for