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Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 112, 14 January 1915, Page 2

The following letter, which has been sent direct from the Central Committee for National Patriotic Organisation, London, for publication in this journal, apeared in leading British journals en Saturday, November 21st., 1014.—Editor.

(To the Editor). Sir, —At this time of grave national crisis, we trust that you will permit us to invite the co-operation of all your readers in the important work which has been initiated by the Central Committee for National Patriotic Organisations. By the side of our Allies, the British nation and the British Empire are at war with a most formidable enemy. Cur cause is dcubly righteous and a ' just cue, because we fight not alone in ; defence of cur existence and freedom. but for the right of small nations to enjey the same freedom; and for civilisation and democracy, as we understand theiia. The enemy threatens to destroy these ami to substitute for them the rule and methods of ruthless militarism. In the last result, British public opinion may well prove to be the deciding factor in this great struggle. Given steadfast and unwavering fortitude on the part of the whole. British people, we believe the victory will be curs. But, come what mayi there must be no weakening, no wavering, no patched-up truce that would expose cur children to a revival cf the German menace, probably in circumstances far mere terrible for the Empire than those which face us to-day. In view of its vital and fundamental importance, it is plain that this great driving-power .cf public opinion musi not be left to shift and vary as temper *ment 3?nl the changing fortunes cf , V o,. ,v.. rv ]\T°ny '.ise F ui eduea ' tir.m-.l agencies (mo&t of which ar-' now co-operating with the Centra 1 Committee)."- are at work in diiferen' ■-vny3 ripen the tosh cf informing am" frTtifj'ins; this greatest cf ail nations 1 !»pots—public opinion. But whilst thi-?dueatic:-ml work has been carried en in cert-In narts of M" t),o extensh n cf the work to every di- : vt'-t of iho United Kingdom is impov'>m and indent, and the Central Committee was therefore brought into be■v.i' bv means cf voluntary effort to uss-lst, unify, and supplement the work ~f all organisations labouring for this I Equally important is the task of lay- ! ia>; before neutral countries a clear statement of the British case; for the weight cf neutral opinion will ..-ort an ever-increasing influence en ;, } 3 ?iies rf the conflict. Germany, -- '■■' thrt thoroughness which charac---•■'''•••s all her undertakings, is makhr strenuous efforts to influence the rnmiqn cf the world in her favour. It. I is imperative that immediate step? -•h,;nld be taken to present the full evi rifnee on which our case rests in order to enable neutral countries to ar vivo at an impartial judgment. With this end in view, the Central Committee has proposed a far-reach-ing scheme £cr the translation and dis tribution of suitable literature in these countries. We therefore appeal to men and women of good will to associate themselves with the Central' Committee, and to make possible uie fullest development cf its work by contributing according to their means. In addition to this financial assistanc, which is essential for the prosecution of its work, the Central Committee will be -rateful to these,who can help by acthue as local bon secretaries in different parts of the country, .or by supplying the names and addresses of others who would be willing to work in this capacity. Donations should be made payable to the Centra! Committee. All communications should he addressed to the Secretary, Canadian Pacific Building G2. Charing Cross, London, W.C., from whom ful] information ma ybe oh t.ained. H. H. ASQUITH, ' I A - T I Vice-Pro si (loots. Chairman. G. W. PFtOTHERO, Vico-Chaiaraan. RIDLEY, ■ WALDORF ASTOR, ■ Hon. Treasurers.