The Daily News. MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1921. A GUARANTEE OF PEACE.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 October 1921, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1921. A GUARANTEE OF PEACE.

America’s tribute to the Unknown Warrior whose remains have been given a. last resting place among the honored dead enshrined in Westminster Abbey, who, in the stirring words uttered by General Pershing, “gave their services and lives to make a glorious record,” has a far greater significance than that which ordinarily attaches to the interchange of courtesies between two friendly nations. The, spirit which prompted our American kinsmen to bestow a special Congressional medal on the tomb of this warrior was eloquently verbalised by the United States Ambassador when he said: ‘ ‘What could be more fitting than that this soldier (General Pershing) of the Great Republic should place this rare and precious token of appreciation and affection of a hundred million kinsmen upon the tomb of his comrade, the soldier of the Mighty Empire.” The exceptional nature of the homage is not only the highest military tribute, but a message of 'fraternity direct from the people of America to the people of Great Britain, and therein lies its exceptional significance. This unknown warrior,” said General Pershing, “will always remain the symbol of the tremendous sacrifice made by his people in the world’s greatest conflict,” It was Mr. Lloyd George, however, who touched on the supreme lesson to be derived from this sincere drawing together of the two great democracies of the world “The homage paid to-day,” said Britain’s Premier, “will be a reminder to this and all generations to come, that the fundamental aim of the two democracies is the same, and a pledge to the valiant dead that these two mighty people, comrades in the Great War, have resolved to be comrades in the a Great Peace.” The ceremony is one that should bring home to all the nations that the disarmament conference is not a mere fad, but a great reality; that the linking together of Britain and America is far more than a friendly and sympathetic act; that it means these two peaceloving nations are in a position to guarantee peace and are in supreme earnest in preventing the horrors of war. It. is pleasing to know from King George that the Victoria Cross, which has never previously been bestowed, on the subject of another State, is, on Armistice Day, to be bestowed on America’s unknown warrior, thus completing the bond of gratitude and appreciation between the two countries. This worthy recognition of valor in the cause of the world’s freedom is absolutely devoid of all militarism; it is rather the highest form of fraternity, and, though it may be classed as one of the results of the war, it is an earnest of peace and goodwill. During its seven hundred years’ existence, Westminster Abbey has been the scene of many notable events, but none of more farreaching importance than the act of homage by America to one of Britain’s valiant dead. It is impossible to lift the veil of the future so as io ascertain the ultimate effect of that impressive ceremony, but the Empire may well feel confident that it will prove a blessing of great preciousness, and be grateful at the prospect of peace becoming more real. Each of the two nations has its own way of making its influence felt, but their aim is practically the same, and it will be safe to rely on both doing the utmost possible in the cause of peace.