MR. CHURCHILL’S SPEECH

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21978, 23 March 1946, Page 4

MR. CHURCHILL’S SPEECH

Sir,—ln reply to Mr. Kohere’s letter on Mr. Churchill’s speech, may I venture to suggest that Mr. Kohere is a man who believes “where ignorance is bliss 'tis folly to be wise?” It is impossible that Mr. Kohere cannot be aware of Russia’s actions. Is it then possible that he thinks such a subject should not be brought into open discussion? If Russia is openly violating the rights of small nations in direct opposition to the clauses laid down by the United Nations Organisation, can the situation be made much worse by Mr. Churchill’s alleged “plan to split the world into two camps?” Men of the British Empire and the United States of America fought and died for freedom. If this freedom is denied, even if it is denied by one of our former Allies, should not we who are left do everything in our power towards the re-establishment of individual rights? Surely no one could have a better cause for which to fight, and if necessary to die. Mr. Kohere quotes the statement that “to preserve the peace of the world America and Russia must work together.” I notice that all mention of the British Commonwealth of Nations is conspicuous by its absence. I am extremely gratified to see that Mr. Kohere is not unduly disconcerted by “the capitalists’ fear of socialism.” As Mr. Churchill, however, has rather the same views as I have on this subject. I do not think that I shall change my ideas verv considerably. The English-speaking nations have far more in common than America and Russia or Britain and Russia. Therefore, it there must be an alliance, and it appears that there must, it would be preferable to have an alliance of Britain and America. Mr. Winston Churchill delivered ' a speech at Westminster College, America. The Daily Mail commented on that speech in the following manner: “Never have the words of anv statesman been so swiftly justified. Nevertheless. Mr. Kohere disapproves of this speech, as a result of which I am convinced that Mr. Churchill will experience many a night on ‘a sleepless pillow.” . . A.I.A.N.S.