THE NEW CHINA

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26832, 10 September 1952, Page 5

THE NEW CHINA

Sir,—Nobody would claim that Christianity has conquered ignorance and want in China (or elsewhere). Some, with informed and unbiased minds, acknowledge and applaud what has been done —medically, educationally, spiritually, even economically—to help the world’s millions. Who, indeed, “spoke most compassionately of these voiceless millions and ... attempted real and material aid” long years ago, but the Christian Church? The task ahead is stupendous. (Does anybody believe, “P.J.A.,” for instance, that “in the new China . . . everywhere there is plenty of food”?) Christian missionaries will work with and under any government, given a fair chance, for the world’s millions. All credit to Rewi Alley for carrying on the Sandan Industrial School- But why not acknowledge the good intentions and effective work of the Christian missionaries (Baillie and Hogg) who founded the schools, and the very large support that Alley has had from CORSO—a Christian-in-spired and largely Christian-sup-ported organisation?—Yotirs, etc., B. R. C. NOTTAGE. September 9, 1952.

Sir,—Perhaps Mr Stephens would “weep and wail” if treated as the missionaries have been, though one does not hear much weeping or wailing from them. They have been falsely accused, abused, humiliated, imprisoned, tortured and murdered, all for the “crime” of leaving their homes and devoting their lives to the service of China’s millions, for the love of God. “P.J.A.” is correct. The missionaries have picked up dying babies to save their souls, and also to save their bodies if it be possible. His implied charge that missionaries fed themselves and starved the babies is a foul lie. I wish his description of the new China, no starving babies and plenty of food, were true. All this abuse bf missionaries is jpst a phase of the red propaganda plan and will not deceive decent reasonable people.—Yours, etc., G. F. SEWARD. September 9, 1952.

Sir, —I agree with the sentiments expressed by your previous correspondent, “P.J.A.,” when discussing “the new China” I thought “P.J.A. placed a very good point before your readers when he said that, in his opinion very few people to-day practised true Christianity. The Scriptures give the same verdict—Christ said: “Peace I leave with you. My peace, I give unto you not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” But as every nation in the world to-day is not following out the true principles of Christianity, then, as H. G. Wells said, “There is no way out. The world has come to the end of its tether.” A sorry plight when we scan the map of the world..— Yours, etc., • IS IT NOTHING TO YOU? September 9, 1952.