The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, AUG. 30th, 1939. THE FATE OF HUMANITY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 56, 30 August 1939, Page 4

The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, AUG. 30th, 1939. THE FATE OF HUMANITY

THE calling up of reserve' officers resident in Whakatane, for the purpose or serving a short term in camp, brings home all the more forcibly the critical state of the world, which is hourly growing more serious. There is little room for anything- else, other than speculation as to the outcome of the present international crisis, that has placed ten million men under arms. The vast shadow which overhangs the nations spells the fate of the world and the destiny of mankind. At the same time we can draw comfort from the fact that at ho other time in the world's history, has there been such a marvellous exercise of forbearance on the part of the countries likely to be involved. What prelude to war .has been heralded by such unparalleled appeals by the Pope, the President of the U.S.A., the King of the Belgians, and the rushed journeys of the British Ambassador. All these tend to illustrate the very real dread of war that grips the people of the world to-day. It is the same spirit of forbearance that we have reason to believe will ultimately triumph over the warmongers and lead to a better, saner and freer existence for mankind. It is this forbearance, and unwillingness to precipitate the senseless slaughter of the human race that provides the last lingering ray of hope for the reinstatement of power and permanent authority of the League of Nations. But the strain of uncertainty, and the knowledge that at any moment the storm may burst has had the hardening effect of preparing the masses for the worst, and even though another world war were to break tomorrow, this unnatural philosophy born of the times would bring millions of young men on both sides who would march uncomplainingly to the slaughter. The elimination of Japan as a potential enemy of the British Empire has been hailed with vast relief in the Pacific. But another possibility presents itself as an even grimmer alternative—the sending of expeditionary forces abroad to meet the demands of the mother country for fighting men. New Zealand waits, in common with the world for the decision of one man, who at the present time holds the fate of civilisation in his hands.