“LIFE” EXPLAINS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 17 October 1942, Page 5

“LIFE” EXPLAINS

ARTICLE CAUSES MISUNDERSTANDING New York, Oct. 15. “ ‘Life’ believes Hitlerite Germany is an enemy to mankind and therefore ‘Life’ has done everything within its power to promote and support the maximum mobilisation of American military power and a maximum unit of policy and purpose between all peoples fighting Japan and Germany.” This statement was made by Henry Luce, publisher of “Life,” in an Interview with members of the British Dominions’ Press.

“The editor's of ‘Life’ are amazed that their editorial caused misunderstanding in Britain. Speaking for the editors I am deeply sorry this misunderstanding has occurred. The fault is partly ours for not having said what we meant as clearly as we should, and partly others who chose to read into the editorial things we did not say. We meant that war aims beyond total destruction of the Axis should be made more plain. Furthermore, we believed and still believe that one reason why war aims are not more clearly stated is that there is not enough agreement between the British and American peoples and Governments on this subject. The editorial which caused misunderstanding was intended as a plea to the British people to help clarify the positive aims for freedom of the world and peace for which we are all fighting. “One specific misunderstanding can be speedily cleared up. We failed to stress in speaking of the British Empire that we know quite well that to a large extent the Empire is a commonwealth of free peoples. We do not advocate the breaking up of the commonwealth, but do advocate the end of world-wide imperialism—British, American, French or any other. The great majority of Americans believe that peace must be based on the utmost cooperation with the people of the British Commonwealth. In that faith ‘Life’ has written in the past and will continue to write.”—P.A.