The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1922. A FORCE FOR PEACE.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 November 1922, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1922. A FORCE FOR PEACE.

The idea that was promulgated at the American Legion Conference, held at New Orleans, may appear to some as vague and nebulous, but it will nevertheless appeal to all sane thinking people as containing infinite possibilities. The suggestion put forth was to establish among the world war veterans representing the Englishspeaking Allies, an organisation for promoting goodwill among the nations concerned for co-opera-tion conducive to the betterment of humanity and for the peace of the rest of the world. It may be thought that such a scheme, while highly creditable to the heart, lacks the dynamic force which would commend it to the intellect. A closer examination of the project must, however, reveal to impartial minds that it is just from small beginnings of this nature that far-reaehing results can be attained. General Monash’s message to the conference, wherein he asserted that “an unbreakable bond existed between Britain and America, whose co-operation would be conducive to the betterment of humanity, ’ ’ furnishes the fundamental basis of operations in such a scheme. It has often been claimed that if a real joining of hands took place between the British Empire and the great American Republic for the purpose of uplifting humanity and securing the peace of the world, the object in view would be achieved. While there is a common tendency among people in the mass to belittle sentiment, there is no evading the fact that sentiment rules the world. Admitting that sentiment is a very elastic term, it stands for what humanity desires, and may be good or evil. Apparently the under-lying principle contained in the suggested organisation is based on the lessons of the Great War, so there is a special fitness in establishing among the world war veterans representing the English-speaking Allies an organisation to promote liberty, peace and goodwill. Both Br.tain and America stand for liberty and peace, and in the late war made great sacrifices for these essentials, on which the welfare of the world depends The manhood of these two super - democracies fought side by side against the devotees of the doctrine of might, and it would be the crowning glory of their success if they join, ed hands and presented a solid front in the cause of peace and the betterment of world conditions. There is a fascinating appeal in the suggestion evolved at the Conference. Much as the two great nations may differ on details and methods, in essentials they are one at heart and in aim. The first step is to create a friendly atmosphere, not one that depends on artistic staging or the evanescent rays of a brilliant glamour, but a union of hands, hearts and effort in the noblest of all causes. Obviously such a movement must have its origin and initial energy emanating from the people, and l no better starting point can be imagined than an organisation of I world war English-speaking veterans who have been through the 1

horrors of war and are thus in a far better position than others to realise to the full the blessings of peace. Necessarily a movement of this kind would take time to grow sufficiently strong to bring pressure on the governments concerned, but perseverance and determination will conquer in the end. Whatever may be thought of the genesis of the scheme, there can be no two sane opinions as to its worthiness of support. Even though America may not yet be prepared to take any active part in international affairs, there must come a time when she can no longer remain in a state of “splendid isolation,” hence the need for some organisation that will prepare the way for a co-operative effort by the English-speaking races on behalf of humanity. The conference not only affirmed the principle embodied in the suggestion, but referred it to the legions committee to take action. If that action is wisely conceived, and the right steps are taken, the organisation should grow in strength until it becomes sufficiently powerful to attain its goal, and in this humane task the Returned Soldiers’ Association, the Legion of Frontiersmen, and other kindred societies can be of service.