TWO ANSWERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 September 1941, Page 6

TWO ANSWERS

DEMOCRACY IN BRITAIN. Sent to Britain by the American churches to report on what he found there, the Rev H. S. Chandler, of Boston, has written:—“l am convinced that we are witnessing one of the greatest miracles of history in the unity, the democracy, the courage and the high resolve of the British people. Many have doubted that a free people could find effective unity in modern times. The answer to that doubt is Britain. The people of Britain know what they are fighting for. The loyalty in Britain is intense, but not blind. Some of the most intelligent discussions on the whole international situation may be heard among enlisted men of the services or from men in the street. The people know that the fate of Britain and of the Commonwealth is at stake, and they feel that it is enough to sacrifice for, but they are also conscious that this historic struggle is for the survival of principles—good faith, justice, freedom are all involved. They know that a Nazi victory means the end of those values of family, religion and civilisation which make life worth living. Motives are not restricted to these, however. There is a great and growing conviction of a better world to be, a determination that these very threatened principles may be more firmly established and adequately expressed here and in the world after the war. The fact of a new sense of brotherhood is finding expression on every hand. People have become conscious of their common concerns. Neighbours who knew little of one another are now working together in air-raid precaution services, in first-aid posts, the fire service, as well as in the enlisted ranks. A new fraternity has arisen far more comprehensive than that of the last war because now all are in. the front line trenches. Bombs drop indiscriminately on the palace or cottage, and the common experience produces a united spirit. Never have I seen so many evidences of friendly co-operation and cheery good neighbourliness, all of which is an indication of democracy being very much alive.”