South Yorkshire Times, May 27th 1944
Price of Peace
Mr. Churchill’s opening of the debate on Foreign Affairs in the House of Commons on Wednesday, contained some enlightening comments on post-war considerations. It was, as usual, an eminently sensible review. Nothing stands out in Mr. Churchill’s character more clearly than his immense fund of common sense.
He explained many apparent inconsistencies in our relations with foreign countries by stressing the over-riding principle which governs such temporary accommodations as we have made our first and foremost aim is to beat Germany and Japan and we are ready to foster the efforts of all others who see eye to eye with us in this objective, whether they be kings or communists.
As for the few powers not yet embroiled in the struggle, we treat them according to the fashion in which they use us. It is a wise and simple doctrine and one in the practice of which the mass of the nation is behind the Premier, however much it may be decried by the uncompromising minority. The fire-eaters, the cranks and the ideological crusaders would do well to note a prophetic utterance included in Mr. Churchill’s speech. He said,” we shall all be hard put to it to gain a living and repair the devastation which has been wrought.” When referring to the post-war prospect. At the same time he made it clear once more that the United Nations are bent on freeing themselves from the menace of aggressive Fascism and are certainly not going to see his wolvish creed foisted on the world at large.
On the framework of peace, the Prime Minister had some things to say which we hope will be taken to heart throughout the nation and the world. “We intend to take better measures this time,” he stated, “in order to prevent the renewal in the lifetime of our children or grandchildren, of the terrible destruction which has marked the last and the present world war.”
This is an intention which every man and woman with a vote and all young people who will in due course be enfranchised should strive to see implemented. The only way to ensure peace as things are now and are likely to be in the immediate hereafter is to be strong enough to enforce it. Mr. Churchill said in so many words that a certain standard of armament would have to be maintained by those powers chiefly concerned with the firm establishment of lasting peace. He envisages a world order “with all the necessary attributes of power” to prevent war.
That is the realistic approach to the peace problem. It may fall short of idealistic dreams of abolishing state frontiers and other visions of universal brotherhood but it takes account of the condition of things as they are, While freedom broadens slowly down from precedent to precedent,” it is as well to retain a few rules of international conduct and an authority which can see that they are honoured, The important things to remember is that the world order, of which the Premier spoke, can be neither established nor maintained unless the people in whose name it stands are prepared to make sacrifices Hence Mr. Churchill’s remark that we shall be “hard put to it.” Yet if we strengthen our patience and resolve, looking beyond the immediate discomforts and deprivations of the post-war years, and subscribing steadfastly to the substance of lasting peace, rather than the shadow of present ease and prosperity, we shall win through all the toil and tears to a saner and more settled world.