NEW WORLD ORDER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 15 December 1939, Page 8

NEW WORLD ORDER

NEW ZEALAND'S CONTRIBUTION SUPPLEMENTING RESOURCES OF GREAT BRITAIN In commenting on the European situation Sir Theodore Rigg stated that seldom in the history of democracy had there existed such a striking challenge to human rights and democratic principles as that of the Totalitarian Powers. To-day Russia and Germany both illustrated the tyranny of dictators not only over their own nationals but over those of adjoining States. "In the case of Russia. Germany and Italy alike dictatorship arose out of the economic chaos and misery following the Great War. In Russia an autocracy was overthrown and after great destruction of property and the loss of millions of lives.* the wheels of industry were restarted. To an increasing extent it has become 'clear that Stalin commands the destinies of 170 million Russians. Religion and constitutional government have been overthrown. Human freedom remains enthralled to a tyrant who brooks no opposition to his desires. Recent events have shown that not only has he enslaved the Russian people but desires to subjugate to his policy those of Finland and of the Baltic States. “In Germany, the victorious Treaty of Versailles with its indignities and hardships- inflicted on the German people, the failure of the League of Nations to make desirable changes in the status quo in Europe, the hostility of France and the weakness of Great Britain paved the way for the ascendancy of the Nazi party and the dominatiori of Central Europe by Hitler. “While the unfication of the German people, the rectification of outstanding injustices inherent in the Treaty of Versailles were no doubt desirable, the methods adopted by Hitler both in home and foreign affairs quickly revealed the ruthless nature of the machine which he was creating for the domination of Europe. “Conscience, religion, freedom of speech were trampled underfoot as he brought all Germany under subjection. Commencing with the Jews whom he treated with outrageous brutality, both Czechoslovakia and Poland fell to the ruthless' pressure of propaganda and military force.

"This is the challenge which confronts, democracy to-day. The rights of small nations and, the great human liberties inherited, 'from TSlagna Charta and de-veloped-and expanded throughout 600 years by the sacrifice of countless men and women in th? democracies of Western Europe and of America are in grave peril by the onward march of Hitler and Stalin. At all costs they must be checked and a sane and more liberal Europe re-established. “The fight which has been entered upon by France, Great Britain and the British Dominions with such signal determination is one which must have the strong approval of all sections of the community in New Zealand. “There can be no doubt that victory can be achieved solely by a determined effort of all classes of the community. Great racrifices are inevitable before the fight is won and a new order established—all are called to share in this sacrifice. This is a struggle which concerns all political parties—all sections of the community—young and old alike.

“It is fortunate for New Zealand that our country is not likely to be included within the war zone. It is improbable that our towns will be bombed or that our country will be subject to direct attack. How different, is the case with Great Britain, where submarine and mine warfare, and aeroplane attack not only endangers the subsistence of the population, but brings death and destruction to the homes of the people. The threat alone to safety continued over many months must result in an intolerable strain on the people of both Great Britain and France.

“It is difficult to foresee what demands the conduct of the war will make on the oveiseas Dominions. For the moment it would appear that with the exception of trained pilots and skilled technicians. Great Britain and France, have sufficient man-power to maintain intact the eastern frontier of France and to allow time and the economic* blockade of Germany to so disrupt that country that collapse of the Nazi regime must follow.

"At present New Zealand's contribution consists mainly in supplementing the resources of Great Britain. Raw materials such as wool, flax and linen fibres and essential foodstuffs such as butter, cheese and meat are indispensable to Great Britain in the conduct of the war. Furthermore the dependence of New Zealand on Great Britain for fdreign exchange makes it exceedingly desirable that New Zealand should buy sparingly from foreign countries in o#der that more money will be available to Great Britain for the purchase of essential war materials in foreign countries. "The maximum production of raw materials and foodstuffs in New Zealand must constitute perhaps our principal contribution to victory in the war. This must be combined with a restriction of imports with the exception of, those that are vital to the maintenance of industry and the health of our; people. Such a policy must demand sacrifices from us all. “Let us illustrate by one or two concrete examples what such a policy involves. Labour must beforthcoming for an unexamples increase in production of our primary industries and also for the development of our secondary industries. While much of this labour can be recruited from Public Works camps there still remain seasonal demands in connection with the harvesting and processing of crops which can be met best by the co-operation of helpers from the towns. "The supply of butter and other fats in Great Britain will be one of her difficulties. She has already indicated that she will buy the whole of the surplus butter from New Zealand. It is already proposed in Great Britain that butter should be rationed and that 4ozs per head per, week should fie the allowance. Is it rig Tit that New Zealanders should consume almost lib per head if Britain is rationed to 4ozs per head?

I "Let us take the question of motor (fuel While it is necessary to main- ] i tain transport services throughout New Zealand, a great saving in the use of I motor spirit could be effected by the : ! more restricted use of private cars It I has been stated that supplies in New Zealand are available for the normal running of all private cars. This is really not the point, for motor.spirit | must be purchased from foreign couni t^T il l the case of New Zealand m«nly from the Dutch East Indies and U.S.A., and foreign exchange is badly j required by Great Britain for war pur- ! ebases. A reduction of 50 per cent, in I private car mileage would result in a great saving to New Zealand—a distinct help to Great Britain— and would ; constitute another small token of the | willingness of the people of New Zeaj land to share in the sacrifices which all peoples must finally make for freedom and the establishment of a new era throughout the world. The use of motor spirit- by private cars in New Zealand is only one illustration of many that -could be made concerning the need for economy in certain directions. There should be less luxury spending—particularly on commodities which are imported. This money should be saved for war needs and capital outlay on New Zealand industries. Tt must be . remembered that the need for economy will be vital not only during the actual conduct of the war. but will be just as necessary for some time after the conclusion of peace, for New Zealand must make her contribution to the re-establishment of normal life in Europe and in China, by supplying foodstuffs. Unless normal life can be re-established on a healthy basis there will be no victory, but ruin throughout the world—a ruin which eventually will encompass our own land. ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW ERA "Liberty, justice and equality are the foundations on which the democracies have been built. These are the great principles cn which democracy has accepted the challenge of the Totalitarian Powers. It is vital that victory be obtained by the democracies but it is no less vital that these principles should form the basis of any peace settlement at the conclusion of the war. The rights of nationalities, the question of raw materials, freedom of trade, the administration and control of colonies and the development of the backward countries of the world must all receive consideration if an enduring peace is to be established and if all peoples of the world, are to give the maximum contribution to the peace and happiness of mankind.

“The mistakes of the Treaty of Versailles must not be repeated. There must be no thought of suppression of the German people. On their co-oper-ation as much as on any people depends the happiness and prosperity of the whole of Europe. The achievement of a new world order cannot be achieved in a day but it is a goal which must be striven for just as determinedly by right thinking men and women as victory by the democracies over the tyranny of the dictators. “Without the realisation of the final goal there will be no victory for mankind—to a large extent sacrifice will have been made in vain. Victory would but perpetuate those conditions under which the people of Europe in a few brief years would be again doomed to a fresh struggle.