Viewed from Afar

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 148, 8 June 1936, Page 7

Viewed from Afar

NATIONS’ QUARRELS Byrd’s Impressions During Lonely Vigil NEW MISSION IN LIFE (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received 7, 9.30 a.m.) NEW YORK, June 6. To follow out an inspiration conceived during his long vigil in the advanced observation shack during his Antarctic expedition, Admiral Byrd said that he was prepared to dedicate the remainder of liis life, with the exception of two years, to working for international amity. Addressing a large gathering of prominent industrial leaders at a testimonial dinner, the explorer revealed his innermost thoughts, contained in his personal diary, from which he read: “The distance and detachment of this place seem to soften some human follies, but from hero tho greatest folly of all is the amazing attitude of the civilised nations towards each other. Fear, antagonism and reprisals seem to bo tho rule among the nations, which in their conduct are, I believe, twenty thousand years behind tho individual civilised citizen in his conduct towards his neighbour.” Admiral Byrd said that whereas science opened new boundaries for fuller lives for the world’s inhabitants, nations were using technical knowledge to prepare for war. “Even aviation, which is a gift that would tie us together as members of the same human race in knowledge, understanding and friendship, is being perverted for uses never dreamed of,” ho said. “I shall set aside two years later to further explorations, but soon I shall start my work for international amity. Aly part will be extremely humble, for my experience lies in far different fields. ’ ’