THE People's Forum

Northland Age, Volume 1, Issue 9, 4 December 1931, Page 7

THE People's Forum

A VETERAN OPPOSES DISARMAMENT

Sir. —In a long observant life (84 years) I have noted that where the unlimited acquisition of that “impolitic übiquity,” money, or its equivalent value in land, or its products—the root cause of the ruin of decent people, irreligion, murderous wars, human degradation and devastation of property—a terrible indictment,- — is the main objective of individuals in any country, any proposal for universal disarmament will be suicidal. Militarism, and all its ruinous concomitants and horrors, are an abomination to all who worship Righteousness, as exemplified in the sublime ethics of Christ. But the menace from Germany and Russia'' cannot, wisely, be ignored. That from the former is especially dangerous, as that country is centrally situated. The latter’s territory is stupendous in extent. Foreigners could be excluded from parts of it. Immense arsenals could be erected there, and chemicals and bombs stored ready for use by innumerable airplanes, kept ostensibly for transport usage, but ready to suddenly attack, and destroy the disarmed nations. Those nations do not love us. And the scientific, military, aerial and organising power and pugnacity of the Germans is formidable. Taking' a comprehensive view of the subject matter, it would seem to be extremely dangerous to rely upon signatures to any international pact, more especially as this is an “inventive era,” and no one can say what kind of infernal implement of destruction will yet be produced. I will therefore suggest the following for a British motto “Nunquam Non Paratus” (never unprepared ; always ready). Yours, etc., WILLIAM R. KEAY.