HOW TO FIGHT BOLSHEVISM.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE SPECTATOR."] tra,—In your interesting article on this subject you emphasize the need for co-operation between the forces making for order and patriotism, a view with which I am in strong sympathy. Perhaps you will allow me to point out that the British Empire Union has been combating Bolshevism ever eince its introduc- tion, us well as its forerunners, Pacificism and pro-Germanism. I do not think the reality of the Bolshevik menace is yet appreciated in this country. In a leaflet the Union has just issued, of which I enclose a copy, you may see the kind of picture of Bolshevik Russia which is being drawn for the benefit Of our workers. Can one be surprised if they are stirred to agitation by the hope of such a Utopia?
At the present moment, in many countries, and even in our own, the social system—and indeed civilization itself—is im- perilled in much the same way as the safety of a crowd is imperilled on a wrecked ship or in a burning building. If every one would keep cool, all might be safe; but if a few think only of themselves general disaster may result. At a moment when production should be increased, the workers
everywhere are incited to demand higher wages and shorter hours; at a moment when it is urgent that every penny should be saved and put to productive uses if possible, "capitalists" are being practically treated as social criminals; BO there is great risk that the desperate rule—Every man for himself—may be adopted. Sections of the workers will use their power to get all they can; those who could establish or extend industries or trade will refuse, preferring to spend their wealth while they have it. Yet none of us who have seen what all classes in our great country have been able to accomplish by united effort during the war can believe there is any ground for despair. But there is danger in apathy. A serious educational cam- paign, particularly in the industrial areas, is urgently neces- sary, in which the economic fallacies of Marxism and the real truth about Bolshevism shall be plainly demonstrated. I hope that in our efforts to organize such a campaign the British Empire Union Will have the support of your readers. They will be glad to know that we are arranging to co-operate with other organizations with a view to avoid overlapping and waste of energy and money.—I am, Sir, Sic., E. BOWDEN SMITH, ROD. See.
British Empire Union, 346 Strand, W.C. 2.
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