PACIFISM AT OXFORD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21990, 27 June 1933, Page 5

PACIFISM AT OXFORD

DENOUNCED BY THE R.A.F. AUTHORITIES The Oxford Union's resolution that " In no circumstances would its members fight for their King and country" was scornfully denounced (says the Oxford Moil) at the annual dinner of thcfOiford University Air Squadron in. May. The guests and cadets numbered 190, including the vice-chancellor (the Rev. Dr F. J. Lys), Sir Phillip Sassoon (Under-secretary of State for Air), Sir Edward Ellington (air chief marshal), Sir Robert !Brooke-Popham, Sir Tom Webb-Bowen, Air-commodore Mills, Aircommodore Robertson and several heads of houses. v Wing-commander Keith R. Park (the chairman), proposing the toast of the guests, said that owing to the undue prominence given by a section of the press to certain political activities in Oxford a number of people; had jumped to the conclusion that the whole university was turning jingo-pacifist. " Those people," he continued, " are apt to forget, if they ever knew, that the vast majority of the senior members of. Oxford University joined up and served in the fighting line with great distinction in the Great War." • The vice-chancellor responded for the guests in a scholarly speech stressing the role of flying in peace and in war. Addressing the chairman he said, "We look forward with confidence :nd admiration to the contribution which you are going to continue to make to this great national work." Sir Phillip Sassoon, proposing the toast of "The Squadron," said, "It is very encouraging in these days for an old Oxford man to be in Oxford surrounded by young Oxford men who are willing to fight for their King and country if occasion should arise." Continuing, he said, " If there should be people who harbour any disparaging thoughts about the manhood of Oxford, I would recommend them to come down here and correct their impressions." He concluded by saying, " Speaking on behalf of the Air Ministry, I may say we expect great things from those who pass through this squadron."' Mr P. G. Heathcoat Amory, replying, said, "It seems that the home of lost causes has been moving up hill. Every generation has its diehards, but the authorities of this university cannot be numbered among them." Wing-commander Park, M. 0., D.F.C. (the chairman of the meeting chronicled above), is the youngest son of Professor James Park of Dunedin. He was educated at the Otago Boys' High School, Otago University, and the Royal Air Force Staff College, Andover, Hants.