PEACE WITHOUT SECURITY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 11 June 1927, Page 3

PEACE WITHOUT SECURITY

; /m ideal ttvwu rjsason (Contributed 1 by the N.Z Welfare League). After a great war the people's spirit sickens and revolts against the very thought of ever again being called upon |n face the horror of such great disaster. 'l'llis has been the case since the war of 1911-1910. "Never again" is the prayer of millions. As a resull we have numerous missions taking up the cause of "preaching peace."

Some of these movements rest on religious sentiment and emotion. as their sure foundation and the spiritual ground of their appeals are to be received with the utmost respect and appreciation. The name o 4" Christ .is invoked as guarantor of the sacredness of this call for goodwill and peace amongst all nations and people. A great deal of the teaching of course is but preaching to the already converted. Who indeed, wanlsi war? All the. pictures painted in words of its terrors and filthiness never surpass the succint expression of General Sherman that "War is hell."

Besides ihe religious inspired movements for peace, and in some degree mixed with these, are elements swayed more, by political motives. Of the political peace, advocacy we are by no means so sure because many of the individuals engaged in it show strange disposition towards confessing the adoption ol thdir own political Doctrines &»(!■ theories of world hegemony with'actual conditions of National amity and goodwill A doubt also arises in our minds with respect to the sincerity of ihe peace professions of I hose who see no harm in Russia under Bolshevik control arming lo the fullest but who express feelings of resentment at all defensive measures undertaken by Britain. It is a beautiful idea, lo say that Ihe British Empre should give a lead in the direction of peace. If for no other reason this appeals to our racial pride. That we should be the pioneers in a world moral crusade must appeal to tlul people who have been forerunners and leaders in so many other fields of human progress.

We want peace both for ourselves and for all other Nations. Show the British people whal is the most, practical way towards this goal and tho race we befong to will .syrely lake it whatever the hardships on the track to be taken. There is one thing preliminary that if must ;it least be practical. 'Whilst ready for high adventure, the chasing of rainbows ruakes no appeal to the race which has ever had to deal with stern realities.

IMPRACTICAL PROPOSALS When examined we find the proposals of the peace extremists amount to a plea that Britain should disarm and set the example for other Nations to follow. This is seldom stated in plain terms but is wrapped up m generalities to be found in many I'eace Society Manifestoes. ' Preparation for war inevitably leads to war," when presented as a rule for us to act upon surely means that we shall cease making preparations for defence as these may perforce be' used in war. Christian people should adhere to the principles of peace even at a risk of loss and humiliation. This is another. gen°ralised statement, both taken from a recent peace manifesto issued in New Zi aland.

The average citizen will pause over these proposals not because thev disagree with the sentiment they express but simply that they fail to see their practical application." If we abolish all armaments, disband our military and naval forces and make a gesture of peace to the entire world will tin's help the cause of tinier.:.,,] p C;IC f, 01 . w j|| ;t merely mean Hie break up of the British Empire, with fresh jealousies, conflicts an 1 wars amongsl oilier Nations as a result ?

Such is the practical question nol merely our Statesmen but our people in general want assurance on. The socialist politicians may contend that it would be better if'the British Empire were dicbanded—his bogey, is "Imperialism." The pure sentimentalists may have faith am. ronclude they would trust all to come right. This will not, move the mass of British people as they can see no virtue, but rather a danger in impractical ideas.

THE SENSIBLE COURSE Our people desire peace. They hold nt the same time thai there can* be no permanent peace without adequate National security. If our police force were disbanded citizens would take steps to protect themselves and their property even if it. meant arming for'such pur"pose. There, is no International police force to keep the more unruly elements in order. All these are steps, together with the spreading of knowledge, which are" mrtO.h?; (of peace b'fes'ed upon seeuriiy and sound'reason. As a people we are .taking our full share in this good work Not by rash impulse but bv steady.work shall, we reach the higher ground of general peace and goodwill based not merely on abstract ideas but on the foundations of wide understanding and security for all Nations and all peoples.