The International Mind

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 2, 24 July 1931, Page 13

The International Mind

OME interesting thoughts on the interdependance of men and nations . were expressed by Mr. Frank Leonard, speaking from 1YA on Tuesday. In. an arresting talk, which must have held the interest of all listeners, the speaker outlined the fallacy of countries ofr nations attempting to exist independ= — ently of each other. What exactly is meant by inter-trad-ing of nations? It must surely mean inter-trading of individuals. So that, in theory anyway, a fostering of inter national trading should bring about a greater knowledge of other countries and a closer international sympathy and understanding. As a direct consequence, again in theory anyway, the chances of wars and international conflicts should be largely obviated. When one stops fo consider this treatment of mations by the consideration of individe uals one is amazed that wars can be possible. When one firm of contractors, having tendered for a large contract, is beaten by a rival firm, does it send an ultimatum and forthwith mobilise its staff and invade the opposing camps across the street? It does not. What it does is to examine closely its esti--mates, attempt to ascertain in what department it is weak, and wish itself better luck next time. Quite possibly the respective heads of the respective firms will lunch together -aiicably, well, and, we hope, wisely. Why should not the same principles be carried into effect between nations? Geographically and territorially the world is so divided as fo make it possible for one group of countries to produce foodstuffs, another group timber, minerals and ore; and,a last group is better fitted to make up the raw materials into manufactured articles. The groups themselves are naturally (Concluded on page 32.)

Voice of Michael (Continued from page 18.) subdivided, and ‘so we get the tinkers, tailors, farmers, cobblers, bankers, and so: forth, of the ‘world. Why cannot the civilised nations of the world so regard themselves and get on with the job, instead of. watching with jealous, distrustful eyes the work and movements of ‘their neighbours? We are still suffering acutely from. the mischievous interruption in the closely knit international relationships. which existed, delicate as the gossamer threads of a ‘cobweb, prior to the Great War. The League of Nations and other important Pacific formations are attempting to keep the world to-day on an even keel. They can all achieve nothing without being backed by a .sense of mutual dependance.. No longer can Great Britain say "As an island we are safe!" Instead of the Island making for safety, there is the danger that it. may. prove a trap. Do hot let us think that this plea for sane internationalism means the entire ‘submersion of. national ideals; on the contrary, the plea is for the national outlook to be supplemented-not ‘supplanted... ° The world to-day is in a’ hopeless mess! Theories for its disentanglement are as plentiful, and about as useful, as weeds in a badly kept lawn. . The call for action in great crises of the past has been to men who by birth, education, training or nature, are already’ great. To-day we live in a.democratic era, and the responsibility for the future lies with the common man. Will he rise to the occasion so that succeeding generations will call him blessed, or will they say sorrowfully, when reviewing the history of the 20th Century: "They knew not the. time of their visitation."