LABOUR AND THE WAR.

Evening Star, Issue 23497, 10 February 1940, Page 10

LABOUR AND THE WAR.

It is to be hoped that the Labour unions in New Zealand will read with the greatest care the declaration of policy issued by the British Labour Party’s executive. On the question of the war it is definite and to the point. Compressed into a few words, it is a call to the British people to contribute their utmost effort to overthrow the Hitler system in Germany, and to make it clear that aggression will not be allowed to succeed. The declaration shows a firm grasp of the realities of the position, and it emphasises that until the “ accursed Nazi regime is overthrown there can be no hope of peace between us.” On this specific point the views of Labour and of Mr Chamberlain and his colleagues are identical. It is realised by the three political parties at Home that Hitler and his satellites have thrown down a challenge to civilisation. It is recognised that if they were successful the liberties of Europe would be swept away, and that a reign of terror would follow. This is no exaggeration. We have the happenings in Poland and Czecho-Slovakia for a guide, and, indeed, in Germany itself, where the rights of the individual are crushed under s merciless and tyrannical rule. What has occurred has been deeply impressed into the consciousness of the British people, and their stern resolution to overthrow Nazism is unmistakable. It is the sameiin France. Before the immediate threat of war came there was acute domestic unrest in that land. When the call to arms was made the ranks were closed, and the world saw a people united in the determination to defeat a relentless and unscrupulous foe. This pronouncement from so important and authoritative a body as the British Labour Party’s executive should exert a strong influence in the dominions and colonies. Its call is summed up in the words; “ Victory must come to the arms of Britain and France—peace must be won for humanity.” It is evident that the immense gravity of the situation has not yet penetrated the consciousness of sections of the people in New Zealand and Australia. We see it in this country in the reluctance of many young men to enlist, and it is to be observed in both countries in the industrial disputes that have occurred and which thwart the war efforts of both Governments. These are not only selfish developments, but they are foolish as well, for peace, security, and a docent standard of living are dependent on the success of the Allies in the present great struggle. Another example of the unanimity of thought in Great Britain is the statement that Labour is convinced that the Allies ought not to enter into peace negotiations with a German Government which has not performed certain acts of restitution, including the withdrawal of German forces and police from Polish and Czecho-Slovakian soil. This is in exact line with the British Government’s policy. A 'further point of agreement is the assurance to the German people that there is no desire to seek the humiliation or dismemberment of their country. The ordeal that faces the Allies is tremendous, but the issue is a simple one. It is comprehended in the words “ Live and let live.” The present Nazi Government is a wanton and unprovoked aggressor. Its ambitions are boundless; its methods brutal. There can be no stay until the tide of paganism is rolled back and the liberties of the world are made secure. There are various points in the Labour manifesto that will have to wait for consideration till peace comes. In the meantime everything must be concentrated on winning the war. An obligation on the part of the manhood of New Zealand is to answer the call and so help the men of Britain and France who are so valiantly doing their duty on the battlefronts, on land, air, and sea.