WAR AND THE CITIZEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21876, 11 August 1934, Page 15

WAR AND THE CITIZEN

Sir. —I noticed in last Monday's Herald a reoort of the utterances of Mr. H. D. Dickinson, described as a lecturer on the Auckland University College staff. As a loyal citizen in this community, I take strong exception to his remarks, particularly those in which he urges citizens, if war should eventuate, to fight their own Government by every means in their power. His admiration for Russia as a pacifist nation, and his call for us to emulate that country, make nonsensical reading in the light, of the facts about Russia's arniv. No right-thinking person wants war. but.until the universal adoption of Christianity in practice as well as by lip-service, one must have regard to the teaching of history, which shows that war has been from the earliest times, and still is, a definite possibility. No nation can afford to be unprepared to defend itself, because such un pre pa redness will, in the event of hostilities, be dearly paid for in human lives. Mr. Dickinson might with profit conduct his anti-war campaign in Russia. The surprising thing is that he stays here. May 1 point out in conclusion that among the multitudinous operations of Government there are only two which are primary and essential. These two arc war and the administration of justice. The fundamental purpose and end of political society is defence against external enemies and the maintenance of peaceable and orderly relations within the community itself. When human nature the world over has changed sufficiently to justify the abolition of the various police forces, then, and only then, will it be time to consider the abolition of the defence forces. Civis.