THE REFERENDUM

New Zealand Listener, Volume 21, Issue 541, 4 November 1949, Page 5

THE REFERENDUM

Sir,-Replying to "H.C.L.P.’s" criticisms in October 14 issue, my understanding of world problems includes the views that: national sovereignty is an illusion; nationalism is one of the widespread curses; what is called "the Christian Way of Life" is a myth developed from a myth; the superiority complex exhibited by the people of Britain and the United States is equalled in presumptuousness only by the Kremlin’s smug assumption of lofty incorruptibility to cloak a sinister autocracy; that until the nations are prepared to surrender their alleged right to raise and equip their own armed forces, and agree that there shall be only .one World Authority adequately armed to prevent armament manufacture and aggression, we shall not escape from the present stupid, wasteful and criminal armament race. In the present state of affairs the Christian pacifist policy is just advocating lying down and allowing the brutal and vicious to walk over us. It seems that the organisation of the universe includes, the principle of conflict. There is no being or power able and willing to prevent completely the resurgence of evil. The ethical demands made by the reputed gospel of Christ are incapable of fulfilment in our present existence. But we have accumulated experience enough, brains and skill enough, if we like to use them, to defeat that principle which results in suicidal wars, and give ourselves at least a better run during our pilgrimage through an abysmally mysterious universe. The first thing needed seems to me to be to submit myths and misunderstandings, prides, prejudices and -superstitions-national, economic, social and religious-to intelligent consideration.

J. MALTON

MURRAY

(Oamaru).