PEACE CONFERENCE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 18, 31 May 1939, Page 5

PEACE CONFERENCE

PETITION TO MR SAVAGE

AIMS OF ORGANISING BODY

Some doubt was expressed by coun. cillors as to the constitution and objects of the National Peace Council of New Zealand when the Whakatane; County Council last Friday received a letter from the former body, askirg for the council's signature to a petition to be presented to the Prime Minister, supporting his belief in the urgent need of a world conference on economic and other questions alfecting "the peace of the world. Literature lias now been handed to the BEACON which shows that the National Peace Council has as its aim the co-ordination of all orga.ni.sa_ tions working for peace, and that »t is affiliated with the National Peace Council of Great Britain. It is stated that its activities are entirely nonpolitical. OBJECTS The six objects of the council are set out as follows: To strive for the establishment cf permanent peace by the organisation of social relations on a basis of jussuch that every individual member of the human race may havej a real equality of freedom to live the fullest life possible for each member in human society. The establishment of an economic ''League of Peoples" as a basi s of a. world federation, for the purpose of peacefully organising all the resources of 'the world and all the people.? of the world. The definite repudiation of militarism and all its instruments, with immediate disarmament within New Zealand. XO SECRET TREATIES Active co-operation with the union of democratic control, wherever es_ tablished in influencing public oniuion to secure the conduct of international policy on a purely democratic basis, so that there can be r.o foreign treaties, arrangements, or understandings what, soever, wh'eh are not made public and approved by the representatives of th people. ' The c reation and (duration of public opinion in the direction of these object s. Keeping in touch, bv- correspondence and otherwise, with all organ, isations and persons willing to assist in the promotion of these aims. The council consists of persons representing organisations in sympathy with its objects (each organisation I being enti'tled to two represents j and such ether persons, as may from time to time be nominated by members of the council, and duly elected. Its olfice is in Cnristehurch. Tin- full text of the circular letter sent to the county council, which will be considered by other local bo<lie*. rends as follows:— The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hoi;. M. .1. Savage has expressed his belief in the urgent need for a world conference on and other questions- affecting the peace of the world, ?.s a means towards ending the present terrible tension between the nations. STIMULUS OF RECENT EVENTS In this laudable wish he is supported by a. very large section of the thinking piopL of every country. In both England and America there is a strong movement, sponsored bysome of tlte outstanding figures in literature, religion, art and polities, which has grown rapidly and is sup_ ported by industrial and other organisations. The movement has received further stimulus from the recent "crisis'' in Europe, these events hav.» ing demonstrated conclusively and significantly, the extreme danger of the present political situation, based as i't is on reliance upon armaments for security. A conference must ultimately be nought, even after armed conflict. ''Why not before the war begins."' as Mr Savage says. Enclosed is a form expressing appreciation of the Prime Minister's sentiments in this respect and petitioning him 'to go ahead a-- quickly as practicable in the direction he has indicated. It is thought that some j;eneral support from organised bodies '•vill hearten the Premier and will also possibly be a help to the Government in making an appeal to whatever other Governments may be approached . URGENCY OF MATTER The urgency of 'the matter hss moved us lo pronose this action, arnl we trust that this petition may be endorsed on b'half of your organisation. When all the individual forms (Continued ait foot of next column,)

have been received, it is proposed to present them to the Prime M'nistei. The date of presenta'^,n, will be pub. licly announced. We hope for your favour-able consideration and would ask you to kindly return the completed form as early as possible. Banish fat quickly the healthful way with Bonkora. Safe reducing treatment. See F. G. Macklow, Chemist, Whakatane.