PACIFISM OR JUSTICE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 138, 8 December 1938, Page 8

PACIFISM OR JUSTICE

(To the Editor.)

Sir—A branch of the Peace Pledge Union is being formed in Wellington. Having some recollection of what the practice of pacifism entailed upon its adherents in New Zealand in the Great War I attended a meeting held m this city on Thursday evening, where the objects and methods of the Peace Pledge Union were explained. I learnt that its chief object is to bring about the settlement of differences between nations without recourse to war, and that its members hope to attain this object by refusing to take part in any war. . , Objections to war may be ]ustified on individual and personal grounds, but is not the adoption of pacifism for the prevention of war between nations the putting of the cart before the horse? Is not a way of preventing war doomed to failure that does not first demand a new condition of society in which individual and national rights may be realised by justice instead of by force? Does not the appeal to justice in international relations demand that a nation proposing peaceful means as the only way of settling disputes shall first of all show in its internal life that the methods of peace are practicable? Until the British Commonwealth of Nations is able to show that it is progressively eliminating injustices associated with large-scale unemployment is it entitled to be heard as an advocate of peace between nations— a peace not based upon fear? Not the refusal to fight, but the realisation of an alternative and better way of settling disputes is the only effective way of preventing war. The adoption of the Peace Pledge as recommended by the union is undemocratic and must involve its adherents in a futile clash with democracy. The Peace Pledge Union diverts attention from the principles by which only can injustice be removed. Anyone who encourages young people to adopt pacifism as a rule of conduct is doing a disservice to the young people, and is weakening the cause of democracy in this generation. -1 am ' ctC" S.R.E.