Quakers’ Attitude To Vietnam War

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30900, 5 November 1965, Page 16

Quakers’ Attitude To Vietnam War

A statement of the attitude of the Society of Friends to the war in Vietnam was issued yesterday by Mr W. N. Johnson, clerk of the New Zealand yearly meeting of the Quakers. “I do not know the Quaker who is reported as having committed suicide in protest against American military involvement in the Vietnam war, nor do I know of his official position, if any, in the Society of Friends,” said Mr Johnson.

“Although Quakers in general would regret the extremity of this man’s action, we would share his concern. “While it is correctly stated that Quakers oppose war or violence in any form, it would be more truly representative of our position to add that we are not satisfied with such a barren nega-

five, but deeply concerned (especially in the present tragic situation prevailing in Vietnam) to seek constructive ways towards reconciliation and healing. “By endeavouring to discover and publish the facts of the situation, by prayer, by silent vigil and peaceful demonstration, by informed statement to political leaders and the press, by sharing in the work of peace-making bodies, we hope to help to create a concerned and informed public opinion and a desire for a speedy end to the present conflict,” said Mr Johnson. Report Quoted j “A recent American Friends’ Service Committee mission to Vietnam in August reports: “ The agony of rural Vietnam, where 75 per cent of its people live, must be seen to be comprehended, is found in the faces of the widow and the orphan, the hurt and the homeless, the harassed and the fearful. Their name is legion. “ Tn Europe and Africa in 1946 we saw suffering, but the misery of the people was tempered by hope. The people of Vietnam, after a quarter of a century of almost uninterrupted war in which they feel themselves to have no stake, see only the promise of worse to come. “ ‘Both sides are now employing tactics that numb the soul.’ “The tragedy in New Zealand is that as we daily listen to news of the war we close our hearts to the agony involved,” said Mr Johnson. “Daily we should remind ourselves that these are our fellow men. Daily we should make any small effort we can, remembering that The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that men of good will should do nothing’.”