PLANNING OF WAR

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 14 October 1942, Page 5

PLANNING OF WAR

CRITICISM OF BRITAIN REPLY TO “LIFE” ARTICLE New York. Oct 12 “The editors of the magazine ‘Life’ have touched off a bitter j British-American controversy over j the basic United Nations’ war prinJ ciples by demanding in an open letter that the British ‘quit fighting the war to hold the Empire together; because if you cling to the Empire at the expense of the United Nations you will lose’,” declares the paper “P.M.” which severely criticises “Life.” “P.M. ' was unable to reach MiHenry Luce, publisher of “Life.” buL iiis wife, Clare Booth Luce, the famous playwright, said: "I am absolutely certain there was no intention of suggesting a separate peace.” “P.M.” asks Mr Luce, editorially: “Where do you want the British people to cease holding the Empire together* Australia? The Australians have more to say about that than the British and haven’t we a bit at stake out there, too? “Egypt? Lord knows Rommel is doing all he can to pull the Empire apart there. “The East Coast of Africa? The Vichy French would like that, for then Laval would be able to bargain with the Germans and Japanese over Madagascar, just as Vichy sold out IndoChina. IMPORTANCE OF FREETOWN “The West Coast of Africa? Remember Freetown is our side’s closest base to Dakar which threatens us in the hands of Vichy. “Canada? The Canadians, like the Australians, should decide for themselves. We are not defending Imperialists or Colonel Blimps, but when ‘Life’ puts out big, nice-sounding generalities without being specific it does not help the war effort either here or abroad, for such statements are apt to be read by people who will accept them without thinking them through—any more than you thought them through as you wrote.” A London message states that the editors of “Life” have issued a statement there claiming that all their open letter really demanded was that British war aims should be stated and that they be United Nations’ aims and not merely Empire aims. "The accusation that we are seeking to drive a wedge between Britain and America is false and unrealistic.” they said. —P.A.