PEACE CAMPAIGN

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 8, 1 September 1948, Page 7

PEACE CAMPAIGN

INAUGURATED BY VERA ROBERT AKERSSON.

and Arbitration

A most interesting series of documents calls our attention to the great call issued to all the world by Mrs. Akersson of Sweden, to enter into an actual Peace Campaign. A supporting' letter from the General Secretary of United Nations Associations, Mr. John A. F. Ennals, shows how completely Mrs. Akersson’s project is approved by U.N.A. I)r. Merrington, President of the U.N.A. of New Zealand, is urging that October 24 should be observed by the Churches as the day for prosecuting this campaign. It is very earnestly hoped that this will be done. As members of the W.C.T.U. whose officer has most courageously initiated the plan, it is incumbent on us to do all possible ♦o make this day a success. It is suggested that Church Parades should be arranged for that Sunday. Ideas will present themselves as to ways and means of publicising and tuithering the project. A formal offer of help might he made to Ministers’ Associations. The sooner this is done the more likely it will be for the offer to be accepted and use made of it. The campaign should appeal to every woman, and our imagination is stirred at the prospect of adding our efforts to something really constructive in the cause of “Peace in our tune,” permanent and lasting because built on true foundations.

We present letters refered to above

Mrs. Akersson writes: “I have written to Mrs. Mackie and sent her a report of the present development of the Peace Campaign. . . . The W.C.T.U. of Australia, Canada, South Africa and Austria, have promised to try to bring about a general rousing in the cause of peace in their respective countries. Also in the United States and in England, several representatives of the W.C.T.U. are working for the same aim, and the World President of the W r .W.C.T.U., Mrs. Nora Forrcster-Faton, has undersigned the resolution. . . .

The campaign has been very successful in the four northern countries cf Europe. We have laid particular stress on mass meetings. The results are not ouite clear yet, hut we have had 200 meetings in Sweden, and at manv of them 500-000 persons have been present, and have unanimously oassed the resolution. . . .

We hope that in all other countries organisations which have joined the. movement will do the same. We also heartilv hope that the W.C.T.U. of New Zealand will trv to bring about a rousing for ne.ace all over vour country, together with as manv other organisations as possible, the Churches and men’s organisations too. Etc... VERA ROBERT AKERSSON.”

Superintendent of the World * W.C.T.U. Department for Peace

The resolution runs as follows: — “W e ask as a realisation of the programme of the United Nations: 1. An agreement regarding Peace Terms which must be such as to prtvent the making of a new war. 2. As soon as possible, reconstruction of the world founded on collaboration and confidence. 3. Respect of the rights of all peoples to freedom and independence. 4. Freedom of confession, thought and speech for every man. 5. Respect for treaties and declarations concluded, in the first place the kellog Pact, the Atlantic Charter, and the Statutes of the United Nations. 6. Obligatory arbitratioi, of ali international conflicts. 7. A new declaration of the human rights, including, besides freedom of confession, thought and speech, safety of person, life and property, all people’s equality before the law, e\en chances to all of professional training, the right to gain one’s living through work, and security from want, 8. Internaiicnal disarmament under strict supcrnational control. 9. A fair distribution of the raw materials of the earth. 10. An international jurisdiction, founded on righteousness, humanity and goodness. 11. Immediate measures to be taken, banning total war, atomic bombs, gas and bacteriological war. 12. ’’ltimately abolition of war altogether.” Mr. Ennals letter: “World Federation of United Nations Association, May 13, 1948. Dear Mrs. Robert Akersson, — Thank you for your encouraging and interesting letter concerning the development of vour Deace Campaign. We are glad to know that it is developing well in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, and that plans have been made to start in Australia and South America. I entirely agree with you in your wise emphasis on the importance of developing Peace work in manv countries, and that is just what this Federation is doing. We hope very much that you and vour movement will co-operate with us in our campaign for Peace through the United Nations. If there is any specific way in which we can help vou in your good work, we should he glad if you would let us know*. With best wishes. Yours very sincerely, JOHN, A. F ENNALS, Secretary General.”