DANGERS FROM WITHIN

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 145, 16 December 1940, Page 8

DANGERS FROM WITHIN

In a conflict between democracy and totalitarianism by force of arms it is inevitable that the visible war should divert attention from the influences which may weaken democracy from within. These influences were referred to by the Rev. P. Gladstone Hughes at a college prize-giving last week, and he emphasised how necessary it was that the schools should cultivate individuality and independence, which were essential to democracy. The dangers Mr. Hughes spoke of were, first, uniformity and standardisation and, next, collectivism, the refusal to stand on one's own feet and the giving up of rights as if they were of no account. In wartime there is necessarily a surrender of individual rights and a regimentation of the community. But this should be temporary, and for war purposes only, with full recognition of the fact that, while it gives a quick return in efficiency, ultimately it must result in loss of initiative and absence of that variety which is the strength of a free community.

There will always be some, of course, who will reckon the immediate return worth the price paid for it. Lord Bryce, in considering Germany's democratic progress after the Great War, expressed doubts of its permanency, for he pointed out that the Germans had usually been willing to surrender their wills to a powerful leader, whether monarch or dictator, who could offer them material success. British peoples, on the other hand, have chosen a sturdy independent course, refusing to be regimented though tempted with offers of greater material progress. It is that temptation which will remain and must be rejected when this war is over. Then, it may be anticipated, continuance of wartime regimentation will be advocated, with much praise of its benefits. Citizens will then have to ask themselves the question put by Mr. Gladstone Hughes: "We pay lip-service to freedom and democracy, but do we really want it or are we prepared to hand it over to those persons who can satisfy our needs?"