WAR AND CONSCIENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22221, 23 September 1935, Page 12

WAR AND CONSCIENCE

Sir, —There are secular and religious organisations, which, if not out and out pacifist, concede the right to individuals to refuse service of any kind on the ground of conscience. Yet most of thorn are supporting Britain's Genciva declaration, the logical sequence of which in the event of unanimity in the Leaguo will be the application of sanctions. The first step would bo economic sanctions, which might easily give rise to war even if the League in the event of their failure to restrain Italy, did not formally carry them to their logical conclusion, which would be the employment of force. Thus, whether these bodies like to admit it or no, their support of the League declaration countenances action which may mean war. The plain truth of the widespread attitude that has just been re-expressed by the Methodist Church of New Zealand is that if the declaration they support leads to war, then the dirty work must be done by the willing section of the people. Those with objecting consciences must not share it A more selfish doctrine it is impossible to imagine. These people wont to have it both wayfi. They cannot logically represent those who would wait upon God to perform a miracle to preserve security, and also those citizens whoso conscience bids them light if there is no other alternative. May one remind those described by Mr. Amery, "sincere but muddleheaded pacifists," that God did not perform a miracle to save Gordon in Khartoum, nor did Ho prevent the Malidi turning the Sudan into a charnel house. The Sudan task had to bo performed by personal effort. God does not miraculously rescue missionaries taken by Chinese bandits, and it is to be remarked that the conscientious objectors do not protest against stern measures against the pirates of Bias Bay and their friends ashore. Why make this exception? The Empire and the world tremble on the brink of catastrophe, and it is high time tho religious organisations referred to examined their logic. Returned Soldier.

Sir, —Why should I be compelled to go overseas to kill other men that have not done me or mine any wrong? If countries want to makd war upon other countries, why should New Zealand interfere? It is up to the people of this country to demand a vote on the subject—will it be voluntary or conscription ? The horrors of war are too hideous to be told, even the returned soldiers shudder when asked about it. No man who went to the last war came back m good health, and what sort of a nation are we going to b« if the cream of New Zealand manhood go, and give their health, limbs and lives P We all know that wars are man-made, therefore, man must prevent them. The world is big enough for all to live at peace. Why can't weP S-J.L.