THE BATTLE FOR PEACE

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 148, 18 March 1939, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE BATTLE FOR PEACE

"Moral Rearmament: The Battle for Peace,” edited by H. W. Austin (London: Heinemann).

The call to moral rearmament which is spreading rapidly among the nations seems to have received its impetus from the "European crisis of last year. A world stunned by the nearness of disaster crept back from the brink of the abyss, and it would appear that thinking men and women the world over have realized the futility of trying to prevent war when greed and fear are rampant. Thus this call to individuals and to nations to replace selfishness and hate with self-sacrifice and love. With the moral foundations of nations strengthened by universal moral rearmament it is hoped to battle for peace upon a' new front where trust and confidence will drive forth mistrust aud suspiciou.

The present little volume has been compiled by the British Davis Cup player, H. W. (“Bunny”) Austin, He finds existence has found a new meaning as he responds to a call to a life of service to his fellow men. He has collected press articles and letters which have appeared in many languages, and reported speeches by eminent men. All show the growing sensibility to the need for moral rearmament. Members of Parliament, sportsmen, bishops, labour leaders, and many others, French, Dutch, American, Chinese, as well as British, are represented. The two letters which appear to have set the ball rolling are printed at the beginning of the collection. The former appeared in the Press on September 1. The latter was that famous one which appeared in “The Times” on September 10, signed by Lord Baldwin and 14 other prominent men. This letter has been translated into almost every European language and has appeared in newspapers all over the world. It may indeed have inaugurated a new era. All should read “Moral Rearmament.” It gives much food for thought and has been printed as a modest little volume the price of which is within the reach of all.