DEFEAT OR VICTORY.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 May 1917, Page 7

DEFEAT OR VICTORY.

To the Editor. Sir, —"Defeat" is the title of a book by Arthur Mee and J. Stuart Holden, and published by Morgan and Scott, London, at a net price of sixpence. The book professes to give "The Truth About the Betrayal of Britain," and,* after being very well received in that country, the British Army Council have informed the publishers that they "consider it undesirable that your publication should be exported to countries outside the United Kingdom, and that instructions have 'been issued to stop any copies despatched by you or by a news-agent." In short, the book contains some things that the Army Council do not wish the public to know, at least outside the British Isles.' Of course, the" natural enquiry is, What is there about the "Betrayal of Britain" that moist he kept secret? A replyto that query can only be got from reviews, as no copies of i the book are to be had in New Zealand (though a few copies may have reached thia country through private | channels). From these a few extracts will indicate the serious state of affairs in the Old Land: "If we say that this is the most scathing and convincing indictment of the liquor traffic ever written we shall doubtless be readily accmitted of exaggeration, for not only is the case presented with rare skill and force, ... but the war has furnished to the writers facts that are quite unprecedented in their damning potency." It is quite evident that the book shows Britain's weakness through drink, and that is what the Army Coun. cil want to hide from our enemies. But why from our own people? It can only be that they are not prepared for the drastic remedy needed. What Mr. Lloyd George said is true, "Our greatest enemy is drink."—l am, etc., 3EO. H. MAUNDEB.