BRITAIN & AMERICA

Hokitika Guardian, 13 May 1929, Page 3

BRITAIN & AMERICA

REV. It. J. CAMPBELL’S WARNING. “We are constantly being told' on this side of the water that war with America is unthinkable. Don’t you believe it. It is not unthinkable. We used to say that about Germany, but it came off, and we have already fought America twice. War with Ainerica will come again if we allow matters to drift on as at present. This statement was made by the Rev R. J. Campbell, who recenty returned to England after a tour in America. He referred to “the growing feeling” which, lie said, was springing up between the United States and this country.

“One would think,” he continued “civilised nations had had enough oil war, and suffered sufficiently from its dire effects, to make them agree that in no circumstances would there be any such thing again. This seems to be very far* from the fact. “A generation is growing up that do es not remember the horrors of the struggle which ended ten and a-half years ago. There are others who remember it well enough to retain permanently a sort of war mentality which they cannot get rid of. These talk of the inevitability of war, and of their duty to preparing for the next war. “I have just returned from the United States where i have had ample opportunity to make acquaintance with what has been said and written in public and private concerning the naval questions between our country and the United States. I was dismayed by many things J heard and read of concerning America’s intention and readiness to proceed to extremities with us. Don’t misunderstand me. There are more genuine idealists in America than in any country of the world except ourselves. “I was glad to observe a change for the better in the attitude of the finer elements in American life towards us since I was in America last in the spring and summer of 1921. You can scarcely pick up a paper without findsome respectful reference to Great Britain. “In schools and colleges, in the text books which are put into the hands of the rising youths, especially among the higher institution, feelings of warmth and admiration for Great Britain are expressed. All this is to the good, but there is an element which hates Great Britain and would welcome the thought off attack. There is another element which does not particularly want War, but is fully determined that America sho.uiu replace Great Britain as ‘mistress of the seas.’ There is something to do to avert the disaster of war with America. That is to make up our minds that in no circumstances whatever shall we draw the sword against our kinsfolk over the seas. What a wicked thing it would be! Let them attack what they like but let us refuse to fight them. Go, to arbitration a thousand time's and lose rather than go to war. Spiritual forces are always in the long run uppermost.”