THE PACIFIST POSITION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22541, 5 October 1936, Page 12

THE PACIFIST POSITION

Sir.—lr reply to your correspondent, "Active Pacifist," I would first quoteBreathes there a man with soul so dead Who neier to himself hath said "This u my own, my native land"— Evidently "Active Pacifist" is the answer. "Active Pacifist" describes himself an one who would have "peace at any pi ice," one who would lie down under the heel of the oppressor and gladly tike whatever that oppressor deigned fo give, or one who would die nobly anc. without a wriggle, that peace might flourish and the enemy shoot more unprotesting pacifists, is "modern vouth" so ultra-civilised as to scorn physical [and moral) protection of his country's honour? Would "Active Pacifist" be perfectly willing to see his Empire's flag befouled and betrayed, his home destroyed, his children slaves? I, as a modern girl, declare that I would hi: willing to fight with any army, aimed or unarmed, trained or iintrainec., so that 1 might do my share in the defence of my country. And it is our duty, as the young Empire, to fit ourselves to carry on Britain's undimmed heritage and to hand that precious trust, as it was handed to us, still bright to our own children. Of what use is life without freedom, without tradition, without nobility? One ,-rowded hour of glorious life Is wcrth an age without a name — JIoDEBN GIEL.