FOUR FREEDOMS IN PACIFIC

Southland Times, Issue 25514, 7 November 1944, Page 6

FOUR FREEDOMS IN PACIFIC

PRESBYTERIANS URGE ACTION

(Special) HASTINGS, November 6,

The need for a Pacific Charter making special reference to the application of the Four Freedoms to all races living on the continents and islands in this area is emphasized in the report of the international relations committee presented to the Presbyterian Assembly in Hastings. Coupled with this question is a reference to the Canberra Pact, the Australian-New Zealand Agreement.

“Qualified observers have insisted that one sof the most obvious and important features in the present world scene is the rising I power of what is commonly called the | ‘coloured races.’ The comparatively little attention paid to this by the leaders of the ! white races,” says the report, “should arouse grim forebodings in the minds of serious thinkers. The white races’ feeling of superiority has caused much harm in the < past. The white peoples of the world are a minority in the human race, and persistence in an attitude of racial superiority coupled with reliance on power politics may speedily precipitate World War 111. “The Church as a world-wide fellowship must be particularly concerned with pressing this problem. The churches in New Zealand should in facing up to it, for it is most urgent in the Pacific area. We feel there is need for a Pacific Charter, but apart from such possible proclamation, the Church, if she is loyal to her faith, must affirm her conviction that all men are brothers.” PACT EXAMINED The report then briefly summarizes the main features of the Australia-New Zealand Agreement. Th(ft merits of the agreement, it says, appear to be; (a) That it sets out to bring the two countries closer together in every way: (b) it seeks to promote peace in the Pacific; (c) it aims at the progressive amelioration of the conditions of the natives in the Pacific and the encouragement of missionary and other welfare activities, (d) in general its outlook is international, though or practical necessity its chief concern is with the Pacific. The report says that the agreement is open to criticism on the following grounds: (1) From the narrow viewpoint of national expediency in that it tends to commit the two countries to policies and actions that are beyond their experience and resources. (2) Having regard to the fact that the United States has at considerable sacrifice safeguarded the liberties of the two countries in the present conflict, it displays an attitude towards that nation which is at least ungracious and probably ungrateful. (3) It does not indicate any vision or appear to be concerned with more than the economic and political security of the white races of the Pacific. (4) In certain of its phrases and attitudes it may well be accused of fomenting a new imperialism. (5) There is nothing in its provisions that adumbrates a Pacific charter. * Its main preoccupation is to secure for its people nothing worse than a return to the status quo.

In conclusion the report urges that it be an instruction to all ministers and home missionaries to inform their people about the needs of the starving populations in Europe and Asia and call upon them to make cheerfully all the sacrifices necessary to enable New Zealand to do her share in providing relief.