DEFENCE OF CAPITALISM

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19364, 30 June 1937, Page 15

DEFENCE OF CAPITALISM

“DOES NOT BREED WAR” PROF. MURPHY’S VTEW The contention of a- section of political theorists that capitalism is the chief cause of war was emphatically denied bv Professor R. E. Murnhv, professor of economics at Victoria University College. in an address at the conference of the Roval Agricultural Society of New Zealand, held in Wellington. “It is the reverse of the truth, to say that capitalism breeds wars,” said Professor Murphv. ‘‘Look round the world and you will sec that the canitalist countries, notably Britain and France, are pacific, and the socialist countries bellicose. “Capitalism is associated with policies making for peace and security abroad and democracy at home. Socialism is associated with war and insecurity abroad and with dictatorships at home. Which is cause and which effect? “You will get war under any social svstem, hut you will get loss war under capitalism, which works better in an atmosphoro of peace and internationalism. Economic nationalism, dictatorship. and Socialism are modern triplets.” Piscu.ssing what he termed the eclipse of capitalism in recent years, Professor Murphv said its only serious rival was socialism, in 'one -form hr another— State socialism. Fascism,’ Nnzi-i’sm or, Communism. All of these showod some differences and wore mutually hostile, Imt their basic resemblances were more important than their differences, which were relatively superficial.