GENERALS SET GOOD EXAMPLE

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23940, 6 May 1943, Page 6

GENERALS SET GOOD EXAMPLE

Sir—The Rev. P. H. Pritchett assumes much in deciding in what manner a conscientious objector prays, u he prays as Mr Pritchett suggests, he certainly wouldn’t be justified m standing aside. The conscientious objector doesn’t believe that the evils of the world can be eradicated in such a manner. If Mr Pritchett is so convinced that force can only be overcome by greater force (which is the same as saying evil can only be overcome by greater evil) his task as a preacher of the Gospel of Love and Forgiveness must be a difficult one. The problem facing those who pray for victory is that equally sincere Christian Japanese and Christian Germans (including the much quoted Pastor Niemoller and Bishop of Munster. who opposed their Government so courageously for the things they believe in) are praying in the same way for their armies against ours.— Yours, etc.. KATHLEEN. THOMPSON. May 5, 1943.

Sir,—P. H. Pritchett invents a pacifist axiom, then issues a challenge and draws a conclusion to suit his premise! Splendid! But the pacifist says there is another way; “Love never faileth.” Your correspondent casts a nasty slur on conscientious objectors, and unfortunately such gratuitous insults are characteristic of man; writers who have the misfortune to possess lop-sided outlooks. President Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms,” as fundamentals of the "New World Order,” are commended to him, especially the first two. He should also realise that the Almighty is not of British extraction and cannot be claimed exclusively to uphold "our cause.” —Yours, etc., C. R. N. MACKIE. May 5, 1943. Sir, —Mr Pritchett is right about the pacifists’ axiom. Judge war by its fruits, and righteousness is out of the question. The reference to II Cor., 11-14 is obscure. Does he mean that Satan and his ministers are actually transformed into ministers of righteousness? With regard to Ezekiel 13. it is not pacifists that cry peace, where there is no peace. They know that there will be no peace until the Prince of Peace comes to reign in peace and righteousness. The nations profess to be seeking peace through the medium of strife: which way is doomed to failure.—Yours, etc PEACEFUL. May 5. 1943. Sir,—Evidently there is much difference of opinion on the rights and wrongs of the conscientious objector Would the Rev. P. H. Pritchett give his opinion as to the attitude our Lord would have taken were He on earth to-day? Would He have been one of the conscientious objectors?— Yours, etc., INTERESTED. May 5, 1943. [The Rev. P. H. Pritchett may, if he 0 wishes, briefly reply; otherwise this correspondence is closed Ed., “The Press.”]