FUNDS FOR WAR PURPOSES.

Evening Star, Issue 23683, 17 September 1940, Page 5

FUNDS FOR WAR PURPOSES.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I think the events of the past few days justify one in making the mild accusation that the current patriotic appeal at most lacks the “ showmanship ” necessary even for an undertaking such as the present. We have had one side of the story—the charge of public apathy—from the executive and the other from the printed and spoken expression of public opinion, which takes a variety of forms directed against one or other feature of the appeal as presented in the initial announcements a week or s'o ago. Suffice on this aspect to say that I think the launching of the carnival (so-called) has been severely prejudiced by a pretty disregard for public psychology on the part of the organisers. The primary purpose of this letter, however, is not to discuss these matters, but to suggest that the immediate need calls, or rather cries aloud, for a change in the purpose to which the proceeds of the queen carnival are devoted. As I write London and Londoners are enduring their seventh consecutive night of an air assault which for ferocity and destruction ranks unprecedented in the ken of man, and as the stout but weary “ heart ” of the Empire fights a lone battle for its preservation and the preservation of this “ limb ” in the Pacific, surely our first duty is to help succour her poor wounds. I appreciate the long-sighted view of those responsible for o/.ir present appeal, but events in the short two weeks that have elapsed have moved quickly, and the changed face of London would justify a prompt decision to divert the proceeds to the relief of her homeless. The, rehabilitation of returned men is an extremely worthy object, but in my opinion our kinship with the Homeland in her present dire necessity

should be sufficient to relegate our own f/iture needs to the future. Rehabilitation, too, presumes a long war and a land war. -If it,is a long war (it’s a strange war!) the scheme could be deferred with considerable advantage to a more appropriate time. If the catch cry of “ sterling funds ” is trotted out in opposition to the suggestion, it is not worthy of its spokesman; in fact, the inconveniences and deprivation of small luxuries we have accepted under the import restrictions imposed to right the sterling balance would, if it w’ere necessary, be gladly borne to the tune of another £50,000 if spent in the manner suggested. If my memory serves me correctly the remarks of the Minister of Finance to the recent conference in Wellington would appear to indicate that that objection no longer applies. In' conclusion, in commending the suggestion to the serious consideration of yourself, the public, and the local Patriotic Executive, 1 beg that we place first things first, and not' throw ourselves open to the twin charges of complacency and selfishness.—l am, etc., W.F.S. September 14.