Greymouth Evening Star. SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 1948. Mr Semple’s Book

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 June 1948, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 1948. Mr Semple’s Book

A CCORDING to the Prime Minister, Mr • Fraser, in his approving foreword to Mr Semple’s book, “Why I Fight. Communism,” the latter, in his writings,, has not attacked “any nation or people.” He “does not denounce or.even adversely criticise Russia or its Soviet system. He says that, their form of Government and social system is a matter for the Russian people, lie wishes them well.” But, if Mr Semple “points out very definitely the of Russian based, dominated and directed Communism which has become a menace lo democratic civilisation,” what, then, does he attack? Put in another way, the only possible deduction from Mr Fraser’s statement is that Mr Semple’s book, which he approves, is concerned only with attacking international Communism and itsmethods; it is not concerned with attacking the Soviet system, which, of course, is Socialism —or, more.correctly, the fruit of Socialism at its worst. This significant distinction, made by Air Fraser, should not pass unnoticed. It is worth remarking that Communism, in the Government’s eyes, seems to have taken on the proportions of a major menace all at once. The loyal supporters of the past have become the political assassins of today. No wonder the Communists complain that Socialist Ministers who were among the original architects of class warfare in this country—the class warfare on which the extremists base their tactics —now appear in the role of accusers. We do not doubt that time has mellowed Mr Semple’s views, and hard experience in high office has taught him many things, hut it is more than passing strange that the leaders of the Government, of which he is a member, have only in recenttimes seen fit to speak out publicly against the Communists —a decision which may or may not have been influenced by Westland electors in December last. International Communism has been spreading its tentacles for a long time, but until recently our New Zealand Socialists have given little public evidence of their awareness of the menace. “Expulsion” Resolution

If Mr Semple’s book is to be believed —and we have no doubt that it should be believed —then Communism represents a far greater threat lo democracy in this country —or what wc have left of democracy —than most people were hitherto prepared to accept. But, the question arises, why should this be? Why, in the eyes.of the Government, should it so suddenly take on such a menacing shape? And, if it is so menacing—as undoubtedly it j s _ w hy is not the Government’s policy characterised by action more positive than mere pions utterances that it is the true defender of democracy?

It, is true that when the Socialist Party met, in conference in Dunedin recently, it passed a resolution giving power to responsible committees in the organisation to expel members who gave public expression to views contrary to the party’s official policy. Tt was made clear at the time that the resolution was aimed mainly against members who held Communist views—in effect, against those who publicly expressed Communist views. Apparently, there is no objection to such people expressing their views privately; the offence is speaking out in public. This resolution, if it meant anything, meant that, the party was concerned about the growth of Communism in its own ranks. Otherwise, why was it, passed ! And what action has the, party taken to give effect to it? How many expulsions have there been? Or is it that the members about 'whom the party was concerned are now, wisely, lying low? And, if they are lying low, what possible difference can that make to the parly’s political make-up, except to give it a charming-front appearance to the people ? “Life or Death?”

There are people who say that Communism cannot be the menace that it is said Io be, because the Communist candidates al the last election were, in most instances, soundly defeated. Why, then, should Mr Semple now say—and say with truth—-that the problem, of Communism in this country “is a question of life or death”? Why should Mr Fraser back him up and also denounce the menace from the public platform? There is only one possible answer. They must, know—they should know —that the Socialist movement which they lead is riddled with Communists or with people who are prepared to accept Communist policy and Communist leadership. These are the people —not. counting a few Maori electors — whom Air Fraser and Mr Semple depend on for a continuance of their regime. Indeed, it may be said that, in effect, they are biting the hand that feeds them. Communism, like Socialism, is food for the gullible, the maladjusted, the lazy, the greedy, and the avaricious. To many it seems only a more efficient form of Socialism. They were led to believe that the Socialists would bring them Utopia; instead, they have received only disillusionment., The futility of other forms of Socialism is al Iho base of a good many stumbles of Left-Wingers into Communism. Actually,.there is only one choice facing this country —Socialism or no Socialism? If Socialism, then Communism, because, human nature being what it is. Socialism is impossible of achievement without dictation and all its crushing evils. There is no such thing as democratic Socialism; there is no half-way house. Those people who. say there is are, either consciously or unconsciously, merely helping the Communists.