DOMINIONS AND WAR

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20784, 20 April 1939, Page 11

DOMINIONS AND WAR

To the Editor) Sir, —It is an accepted fact that there is very strong opposition to participation in any war overseas by the people in every Dominion, especially in Canada and South Africa. So strong is the feeling in Canada that the Federal Prime Minister has been compelled to promise that there will be no participation in war by Canada before a free vote of Parliament is taken on the question. The writer is of the opinion that our Canadian friends have not gone far enough, and that they should insist on a plebiscite on the question of participation in any war what-so-ever. Since it is clearly recognised that all political parties of any colour, from the darkest blue to the brightest pink, are the pawns of “high-finance,” it is madness to leave the decision of war in their hands. It is simply asking for trouble and certain betrayal. Coming now to New Zealand, our immediate, concern is the position here. What is the position in the New Zealand Parliament? The Parliamentary National Party would to a man support the idea that a declaration of war byBritain automatically involved New Zealand. And where does* the Government stand? Let us investigate. A prominent member of the Cabinet recently said “he would lead a battalion against the Fascists in defence of democracy any time.” The Hon. M. J. •Savage has recently said that “New Zealand would be found lined up with Britain in defence of democracy." Mr Roberts, president of the Labour Party, spoke in similar strain only last week in Wellington. Thus we see complete unanimity in our Parliament in favour of war. What a spectacle. Two political parties, as far apart as the poles in their outlook on human problems, are both being "used” by finance for ends inimical to the public welfare. What docs the public of New Zealand think about the position? Are, the young men willing to be hunted off to the slaughter without a voice in proceedings? Are the young women of the country anxious to be lonely old spinsters deprived of husbands and children? If these things are not to happen, people must get busy and instruct Parliament to pass a law at the next session making it illegal for this country to be committed to any war without a plebiscite of the whole population first. A public statement by Mr Savage to the British Government" and the world that New Zealand would be strictly neutral in any war until such time as the population had by plebiscite, decided either for or against participation would have a most salutary effect in the hotbeds of intrigue overseas. No doubt, I shall be accused of pacifism and all sorts of terrible things by the reactionaries. However, let us examine the proposal coolly. Such a declaration would automatically remove the fear of raids on our coasts that would otherwise be a constant worry. It would be a gesture to the world that we are willing to trade with all nations without in any waydesiring to interfere in the internal arrangements of others. Such a step would require courage. Have the people ol’ this Dominion got the requisite amount of courage to step boldly out of the ruck?—l am, etc., R. G. YOUNG. Gordonton, April 18.