THE LEFT BOOK CLUB

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24254, 23 March 1940, Page 19

THE LEFT BOOK CLUB

TO THE KDJTOR Sir—According to Dr D. G. McMillan's explanation of the objects and activities of the Left Book Club, the proceedings of that organisation are characterised by a fairy-like innocence. The members are evidently obsessed bv a fear of Fascism, a word used by them to indict almost • anything. It also appears that Nazism upsets them considerably. What leaves them cornnletelv nonchalant is the aggression by Soviet Russia. If Dr McMillan could show that the Left Book Clubbers are horrified by Communism as much as by Nazism and Fascism, his account of the high-mindedness of the members would be more acceptable. If the Left Book Club has recorded or expressed its displeasure with Russia on any occasion, it might be able to impress some people as a more or less impartial societv of thinkers devoted to the betterment of the world. The evidence is that the Left Book Club is not impartial, but owes its driving force to Communism whether

or not the members generally have any association with the Communist Party. It has been called a form of the Communist Partv. and an, agency by which Communistic propaganda is spread. It also serves to gain sympathisers with Russia bv establishins? social contacts with them. If Dr McMillan is not aware of these conditions, or even of the charges that have been made against the Left Book Club in New Zealand and other Englishspeaking countries, it would seem that he has exercised his presidency of the Dunedin branch in a very aloof way It would be valuable to have his interpretation of Russia's recent acts of aggression. The Left Book Club evidently regards itself as modern and progressive, and it would be uncharitable to think that recent events have escaped the attention of its astute observers. It surely has the energy to form an opinion on Russia and Communism for the benefit of the public. Or. was its opinion not formed at the time of its inception?— l am. etc.. D. M. Taylor. Wellington. March 21.