PEACE AND GOODWILL.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 December 1934, Page 4

PEACE AND GOODWILL.

With European Dictators busily engaged in slaughtering political opponents lest they themselves be subjected to the unanswerable argument of the assassin, and South American statesmen receiving bombs as expressions of “goodwill,” the King’s Christmas message to his peoples provided a contrast that has appealed to a wider circle than that of the Empire. Its simplicity and personal touch made the message unique in its appeal, and its instantaneous reception throughout the Empire through radio services demonstrated that the advance of science can aid peace as well as warfare. The researches that have made possible new and terrible means of destruction in time of war have received much publicity of late, and have raised the question whether increased knowledge has been entirely an advantage to mankind. But if more complete knowledge of each other’s viewpoints and difficulties is able, as it ought to be, to prevent international misunderstandings and strife, the science that has made radio services passible has certainly added a valuable asset to civilisation. The King’s speech did not ignore the difficulties that face Britons wherever they may be situated. Neither did it suggest any easy way of overcoming them. It was a plea for “family” loyalty even though individual beliefs and actions might differ, and asserted with quiet confidence that if such loyalty persisted the sober optimism with which the message was imbued would be justified. Only a constitutional Sovereign of really free self-governing ' nations could have delivered such a message with sincerity, and the contrast between the King’s speech and those of other leaders, even in countries where they claim to have been directly chosen by the people, should awaken satisfaction that British democracy is standing the test of time and circumstance.