FOLLY OF PEACE TALK.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17288, 2 October 1916, Page 6

FOLLY OF PEACE TALK.

Wk have received what is described as a "peace manifesto" signed on behalf of the Social Democratic Paty by Mr< F. R. Cooke, president, and Mr J. Glover, secretary-treasurer; Space is too valuable for the-publication of the document. This morning, for instance, a largo part of our newspaper is occupied .by lists of names of heroes killed and wounded in the fight for honour and freedom. In any case, the "manifesto," we are certain, represents the views of very few people; whose "conclusions" after "an examination of the diplomatic polioies of the various European Powers" are of no public interest. Tho document asserts that there should be a free and frank discussion of peace terms, and that the New Zealand Government should i invite the Imperial Government to initiate such a discussion with Germany. We do not refer to this matter with the intention of arguing with Mr Cooke aiid Mr Glover, but for the sake of any men and women'whom they may try to influence it seems advisable to say a few words. The pacifists may appropriately be referred to a cable message from London published last Friday, summarising another Socialist manifesto.; This was issued by tho Nationalist-Socialist Party, and addressed, apparently not without some 'justification, to Socialists 'in the dominions. It says : We are bound to fight tho aggres- , sots who are desiring to. dominate ■'•Europe and place the smaller nation- - alitiea at the mercy of Prussian militarism. Had Germany won*-democ-racy and Socialism would have- been thrown back for more than a genera- ■" ticn. British capitalism is a.<terrible enemy, but capitalism strengthened , by German militarism would have been more dangerous still. When peace comes, the workers will have, a far greater chance of obtaining control of Britain than ever before, They will be used to arms and con-, scjous of their power. \ It will bo the people's 'own fault if they fail to overcome wage,sjayery. !i .'' On Saturday we, had a striking announcement by Mr Lloyd George, whose sympathies .should, be. wide enough for any Socialist Party, in' which the folly of peace talk was witheringly exposed.' The truth, of course, is that peace is impossiblo on terms of negotiation with the enemy while ho is astride Belgium, Poland, Serbia and -a large part of Fiance. As the Mayor of Christchurch has said, in a telegram which wo are glad to see ho has sent to Mr Lloyd George on behalf of the citizens, peace must bo dictated, not negotiated. There can be no other peace that would not inevitably prove a disastrous mockery of that noble word. And if,there is on© class more interested than another in the victory of the Allies, it is ■the'working' class democracy, whose CMery interest and aspiration a German victory would annihilate. We are certain that after this war capitalism as well as militarism will be' robbed of much of its terror, for nothing could have so advanced the cause of sane Socialism as this war against despotism. A premature termination of the war, ghastly as:the prospect of its continuance may appear, would be a calamity for the whole world, and'especially for thoso whoso interests the Social Democratic Party professes to "represent. In the name of commonsense, let us havo no more talk of peace.until the sword can bo sheathed with honour. Let us all, rather, renew our determination to secure peace on terms that will be enduring—which means that Germany must bo defeated. . .