INHUMAN AGGRESSORS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 102, 1 May 1943, Page 4

INHUMAN AGGRESSORS

Never before in the history of mankind has the world been faced with a clearer issue than that which now presents itself. Not only are the United Nations fighting for the preservation of human liberties, but they, are fighting for the very preservation of civilisation itself and all that it stands for. Since the armed might of Hitler first marched against Poland, the world has been shocked time and again by the utter ruthlessness of the aggressor nations, a ruthlessness that has brought almost unbelievable suffering and misery to the innocent peoples of the conquered territories. The terrible stories which have emerged from the ravaged countries of Europe have left no room for doubt about the grim reality of the challenge which faces the world. The vengeance exacted by the Nazis against the small village of Lidice was but one example of the systematic methods of tei-rorisation and brutality which have been employed. Now, from war-torn and defiant China, comes an even more shocking story of vengeance. After the American raid on Tokio in April of last year Chinese civilians in a coastal area gave shelter to airmen who were forced down after their mission had been completed. For that act the people of the whole area have been massacred by the Japanese. Today it is reported by Father Vincent Smith, a missionary who escaped to the hills, that whole towns of 15,000 and 20,000 people were wiped out, and that the death-roll may reach 500,000. No wonder that Father Smith was moved .to comment that the civilised

world could not conceive of the tortures which had been inflicted on men, women, children, and even babies. For the nations ranged against the perpetrators of such outrages there can only be one duty—to concentrate on the supreme task of for ever removing from the aggressors the power and the opportunity of imposing their will on the defenceless peoples oi the earth Today the material strength of the avenging forces is rapidly growing, and through the mists which have for so long enshrouded the world there can be seen the first light of the victory that assuredly lies ahead. No effort must be spared to make the light brighter and no sacrifice .nust be thought too great that will bring nearer the day of liberation for suffering humanity. Tomorrow, when the people of New Zealand respond to the Invitation of the combined churches to take part in a day of prayer, they should remember the peoples everywhere who have suffered and are suffering under the yoke of oppression.