CHURCHILL AS SAMARITAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 24009, 5 July 1941, Page 8

CHURCHILL AS SAMARITAN

Sir, —On reading Rev. Gladstone Hughes' remarks one is struck with the thought that Mr Churchill might be startled to find himself or his common sense gesture to Russia made out as another case of the "Good Samaritan." It is easy to be a little dazzled with oratory like Churchill's, but where is the parallel with the Samaritan who surely did a purely disinterested action without any hope of material gain? Mr. Churchill, making no bones about his hostility to communism, makes no pretence that his gesture is disinterested, being so obviously made because Britain and Russia are now fighting a common foe. Every blow to help Russia is also a blow for ourselves, so what boots it even if they were cannibals. Even a broad offer of help that never eventuated might considerably improve the morale (not morals!) of Russia, it nothing else.

I do not suggest that Mr. Hughes is not sincere, but he appears to draw parallels that will not bear scrutiny. Why not follow Churchill's outstanding example without sotto voce reservations that it does not include political or religious tolerance? It is possible to be too holy—especially if the house is on fire. A. P. Young.