Does War Pay?

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 57, 30 November 1934, Page 13

Does War Pay?

Sir, —v our correspondent, .Mr. C. IL Miller, apparently blames and itatioualism for war; surely civil authorities and political parties have a say in war, especially civil war, nor do bota sides always fight for pecuniary gam. He asks and answers five questions, but the aggressor and defender might give other answers. He admits it is doubtful if the possession of the Rand mines was one of tbe motives of the Boer War else why did the Boers first invade Natal ami why did the British give them home rule again? „ -- The “No More War Movement could be used in a vindictive manner not intended by its present members; for example, should there be many in British lands who dislike the British Commonwealth of Nations, they might gain control at some time of the movement and lender us defenceless. Japan could thus ■■et control of this most splendid land, and it would yield enormous economic advantages to the victor; 5.060,000 Japanese could settle here in 10 years and we might find it more than a change in adni’iiistration, and not a costly one to tin- victor. In thm case the goods of the conquered people would not compete against the victor, but might make him self-supporting. We must remember that the Japanese do not intermarry with the inhabitants of the land they migrate to in any num here.* The letter by Mr. D. McLaughlin is excellent and the meaning of patriotism as net forth by him seems opposed to that of Mr. C. 11. Miller, who appears to place national before international patriotism. Mr. C II Millers answer to 'is fourth question would often noapply, as many eouniries. if run properly. could be self-supporting. Competition and its sometimes associate., sweating may be the reason that he is using some of'the materials he speaks of. loni,rv Atkins (a term which must include .he Digger) might be a mercenary: its purely a matter of opinion. Some ot ns Dmuors mav have longht on principle. Mr. Miller ’must know that religion has taken a part" in internal strife almos.. amounting to civil war in several countries lately. When all nations think a'rko we mav have les.-, war. Conscience i< not always a sa f e guide, as it is often the slave of our hopes, fears, r-.gious ami political views.-I fln^ E^\-CE Wairarapa. November 26.