PLEA FOR PEACE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24274, 15 May 1942, Page 5

PLEA FOR PEACE

THE POPE'S MESSAGE JUSTICE AND MODERATION END TO CRUEL SLAUGHTER . LONDON, May 13 Broadcasting on the eve of his Episcopal jubilee, Pope Pius XII. appealed for peace with greater insistence in view of the menace of greater destructive weapons. "We feel an urgent need," said His Holiness, "to open our lips and speak frankly. Before the outbreak and also during the war we have worked with all our power for peace. We are now giving one more message of peace. Destruction and Suffering "Wo know that such a practical suggestion is likely to offend one party or the other, but when we see the destruction and suffering and think of the

brave fighting men and of the dead, of mothers, wives and sons, of the separation and breaking up of families, and of the economic penury in which the crime of this war is manifested, then we think the sooner an end is put to the waf the better. "More tears have flowed from these hardships and misfortunes than in all the course of humanity. As a man of perfect political impartiality and equal love of all peoples, we can make such an offer, but the present political situation, with its ravages of moral and material values, with its cruelty and unprecedented violence, will hardly allow of such an offer being accepted. Appeal to Heads o! Nations "We appeal to the heads of the nations, and give warm advice to conclude a peace on the principles of justice and moderation, even if it does not seem to correspond with their expectations. In all countries where formerly much intelligence and goodwill was spent in solving social problems, fortunes are now being spent on destruction. A new front is formed —a front of families in anguish. The family is sacred. The duty of husbands and wives is the fulfilling of physical and spiritual union, creating a new generation. "That is what G&d wanted. We pray God to imbue us in the spirit of love, so that we may be ready to hold out our arms to one another and co-operate after the most extensive and cruel slaughter in history. In the most formidable and immense work of rebuilding and healing, we pray that we may rebuild from the mass of material and moral ruin a united and peaceful new world." SHIPPING RAIDED ALLIES AT AMBOINA SUCCESSES IN NEW BRITAIN LONDON, May 14 Allied bombers ha\*e attacked enemy shipping at Amboina, in the Netherlands Last Indies, sinking a vessel of 3000 tons and scoring hits on others of 2000 and 3000 tons. A wharf was set on fire. In the latest Allied raid on Rabaul, in New Britain, 15 enemy bombers on the ground were attacked and 'at least three were seen to explode. Many other aeroplanes were seriously damaged if not destroyed. In addition, enemy shipping was attacked. Three out of six Japanese aeroplanes which attacked Port Moresby, in New Guinea, were shot down or damaged. Members of the Netherlands East Indies Air Force in Australia have already beeri equipped with American aircraft and are operating under General Mac Arthur's command. MALTA EXACTS PRICE HEAVY TOLL OF ENEMY LONDON, May 14 Axis raids on Malta yesterday were lighter, but in proportion the enemy's losses were as heavy. The attacks were directed against an aerodrome. Two enemy fighters were shot down and one fighter and a bomber were damaged. In the past 36 hours 19 German or Italian aircraft have been shot down or damaged over the island. A raid was in progress when the last communique was being sent.