MR RANDOLPH CHURCHILL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26584, 6 October 1947, Page 7

MR RANDOLPH CHURCHILL

Sir,—lt is not surprising that loud protests are being voiced against this visitor’s plain speaking. The truth always hurts, and friends of the “ fiftn columnists " are anxious because the cat has been let out of the bag. It is possible that all the letters are coming from the same pen, for it is certain that clean-minded, honest individuals will not be disturbed by plain speaking. Forewarned is forearmed, and the disclosures being made all over the world are proving the lack of value in agreements made and the low value of “ scraps of paper.” I know that the commonsense man will listen to M r Churchill and will say, ’’ We will be ready.” The war-time Premier has sent his son to warn us; let us take heed.—l am, etc., Service Before Self.

Sir,—The correspondents in your columns are tragic evidence that the '• fifth column ” of which Mr Randolph Churchill warns us is here in our midst. The pathetic part is that this insidious ” fifth column ” does not realise that it is a “ fifth column.” I sincerely believe that these people who interpret the younger Churchill’s views as war moneering are good ” honest to God ” New Zealanders whose fondest dream is a world at peace. But their dream will be a pipe dream if they do not heed warnings which are very real indeed. It is readily conceded that these people are sincere in their beliefs, but it would be better and safer for this world’s peace if their beliefs were accurate. It is absolutely alarming to read of ihe resolution passed by the Christchurch branch of the Railway Tradesmen’s Association, and indicates all too clearly to intelligent people just how far this dreadful cancer has spread in our national structure. These antagonists of Churchill are not necessarily protagonists of Russia, but they are the unwitting and unconscious victims of the subtlest and most invisible propaganda the world has ever known. If they have eyes to see, brains to reason with, and' are not just blind followers of dangerous mob psychology they will see Russia’s influence —the influence of Communism at work—frustrating recovery and keeping every country weak with its own internal problems, while Russia grows in strength day by day and war comes nearer.—l am etc., Returned Labourer. [Abridged.—Ed. O.D.T.]