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New Zealand Listener, Volume 36, Issue 922, 12 April 1957, Page 11

Sir,-I was most heartened to read Rex Bennett’s letter advocating disarmament, in a recent issue of The Listener. The general apathy to the problem of modern weapons is most alarming. I wonder how many people heard Bertrand Russell’s splendid address, with its urgent warning to mankind. If this could be repeated at frequent intervals, say, at varying times of the day, everyone would have a chance to hear it. I think, too, that everyone should know about the Napalm dropped on the villages of Korea. This and other deliberate acts of brutality, for which none of us takes responsibility, are the result of our composite apathy. But these are nothing compared with the destructive power of the H-bomb, about to be tested by Gredt Britain. It is argued that it will be used only as a deterrent; but a deterrent that is not to be used is not effective. Are the centuries of endeavour that separate man from the beasts to be wiped out in a matter of minutes? But words have lost their meaning and man his humanity unless we prove by deeds our peaceful intentions, Even the tests of nuclear weapons constitute a hazard to mankind. Yet what does New Zealand do when an area of the Pacific is sealed off for the purpose? It is significant that Japan has EE

registered protests, If we have not the moral courage to protest now, we will be in very poor shape to face the consequences. I heartily agree with Mr Bennett that Britain and the Commonwealth should renounce war and the wasteful and dangerous proparations for it. This could do much to restore British prestige, and be the first move to allay the fear and mistrust which have taken charge of the

world.

ALISON

DUFF

(Auckland).