A Truncheon For Peace

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 142, 12 March 1938, Page 1 (Supplement)

A Truncheon For Peace

“Why Britain Should Rearm” is the subject of a message by the Bishop of London, Dr. Winnington-Ingram in his Diocesan Magazine. He says:—

“The idea that the way to peace is to allow 7 yourself to be trampled upon was seen to be futile by the fate of Abyssinia and China.

“Hence it is not unchristian to back up the policy of rearmament, because in this imperfect world it appears to be the only road to peace.”

The Bishop expresses a difference of opinion from “my late beloved friend, Canon Sheppard.”

“I am a pacifist of the deepest dye, so far as longing for peace is concerned and looking on war as a damnable waste of human life and of national treasure,” he declares.

“But where we differed was as to how to prevent it

“We have drifted into |he position of the policeman who has to keep order in the world; but every policeman must have, in the last resort, a truncheon.

“We have laid aside our truncheon, under the mistaken idea that the rest of the world would follow our example.

“The moment we announced our intention to resume our truncheon the danger of war in Europe diminished by 50 per cent., as was seen by the markets of the world.” “In one of my few speeches in the House of Lords, I said plainly that my policy would be at once to make friends with Germany. “I feel certain that they wish to make friends with us. The German Ambassador assures me that it is the very purpose for which he has come here.

“If the wishes of Italy are represented by their charming representative, Count Grandi, whom I had the

honour of entertaining the other night, Italy, too, wishes to regain a friendship which she greatly values.”