RANDOLPH CHURCHILL’S LECTURES

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25310, 9 October 1947, Page 5

RANDOLPH CHURCHILL’S LECTURES

Sir, —You’re right, no doubt, in saying that Mr Randolph Churchill is not an “important” enough person to stir up international strife, but the fact is any “trumpery” person can stir up internal strife and ill-will, ordinary poor moitals not all being capable of rising to such disinterested heights as yourself, though I suspect you aren’t really quite so Olympian as you would have us believe. You and Randolph Churchill are rather like Dickens’s Mr Bumble, who didn’t know what the poor would be up to next. I could tell you.—Yours, etc., D. E. SMITH. October 8, 1947.

Sir, —I -have found this cutting from a newspaper of October 1, 1946: “General Eisenhower, speaking at a press conference in Berlin, condemned ‘the hysterical pessimism’ in certain quarters of America. He said that every intelligent man knew the world could not stand another global war. ‘lt ie too much to ask the world’s populations to pour their toil, sweat, and resources into nothing but utter destruction. I personally think we are progressing in the other direction.’ ” Apparently, unlike Mr Churchill and his cohorts, the general is one of those who can learn.—Yours, etc., Y.F.Y. • October 8, 1947.

Sir, —Mr R. Churchill’s reasons for refusing to debate his propaganda are both weak and unjust, and not in keeping with British traditions of freedom of speech. The very fault he accuses the Russians of—repression of contrary opinions—he himself is practising. Anyone with only a meagre knowledge of mass psychology knows the reactions which follow such tactics. As Mr Churchill has been given every opportunity, and in our best halls to condemn and slander Russia, the* mighty Ally who saved us from Fascists and Nazi horrors, then it is only fair and just that other speakers of different opinions be given the same opportunity. Fascism is already in evidence in New Zealand, without its being boosted by overseas visitors.— Yours, etc., H.S. October 8, 1947.

Sir, —One hundred and fifty words are not enough with which to express oneself adequately on a seiious subject. Regarding the discussion on Mr Randolph Churchill’s lecture tour, may I ask space to print a poem published in the early days of the 191418 war about the late Lord* Roberts. Also. I commend to readers the Book of Speeches made by Mr Winston Churchill during the years 1928-38. entitled “Arms and the Covenant.’’ Must our sons for ever go on being killed because we will not face it and listen to timely warnings?—Yours, etc., BOB’S' WAY He knew, none better how ’twould be, And spoke his warning far and wide. He worked to save us ceaselessly Setting his well earnt ease aside. We smiled and shrugged and went our way, Blind to the swift approaching blow. His every word proves true to-day, But no man hears ‘ I told you so.” (“Punch,” 1914.)