THE MILITARY SYSTEM.

Waikato Times, Volume 110, Issue 18393, 29 July 1931, Page 9

THE MILITARY SYSTEM.

(TO the Editor). Sir, —Youth, In our own town, all over the country, is being urged to don khaki in the sacred’name of defence. “Defence" is a euphemism Implying that we start eye-gouging and stomach-sticking only when we are attaoked. Yet experience has taught us that it is the "defenoe” forces -which are used by the warmakers on the slightest provocation. A trivial international affront, a trade route threatened, the flag insulted, •and what happens? The “defence” forces are converted into an expeditionary force. Instead of spending ■thousands yearly on teaching young men to kill would not’ the Forbes’ Government be doing better to New Zealand and civilisation to send a delegation of representative men, the best brains in the land, to preach total disarmament in every country in the world. And more, to offer to pay the expenses of a similar delegation from any other country to visit New Zealand? Let us write to Stalin, to Mussolini, to Ghandi, to Marshal Chang, all those who are supposed to be casting envious eyes on our precious little island; let us ask them to come and talk peace to us. Would not this be more sensible and logical than training our youth In a deadly system which induces them to hate, to fear and to suspect these nations? Let us lead the way out of this insane race destruction. —I am, etc., iNO MORE WAR. Hamilton, July 27.